it.

GENERAL ZOOLOGY

cr —

SYSTEMATIC

HISTORY

b

GEORGE SHAW, M.D.F.R.S.<£-c.

WITH L

from the first Authorities and most select specimens

'/ff

I''/

V, Part lo

PISCES

London Yrmted for G.KearJlev Fleet Street .

L8O4.

GENERAL ZOOLOGY.

VOLUME V. PART L

PISCES.

LONDON.

PRINTED FOR GEORGE KEARSLEY, FLEET-STREET

BY THOMAS DAVISON, WHITE-FRIARS.

1804.

CONTENTS

OF

VOL. V.— PART I.

Page

Page

^\MIA GENUS

9

Atherine, Jamaica .

131

— — Sihama .

132

Amia, Carolinian

9

Japanese

132

transparent .

133

ACANTHONOTUS GENUS

93

CLUPEA GENUS

15Q

ANABLEPS GENUS

• y^

7

COBITIS GENUS

mi*y
I

7

CYPRINUS GENUS

179

ARGENTINA GENUS .

127

Carp, common

179

Argentine, tooth-tongued

127

large-scaled .

193

• pearl-bladdered

128

Rondeletian .

194

AT U

129

195

o««*wis«»

129

196

Gibel . . .

197

ATHERINA GENUS

131

Rud . . .

107

Roach . . .

J98

Atherine, Mediterranean

131

Bordeliere

200

v. v. p. i.

b

ii

CONTENTS.

Carp, Sope
Pomeranian .

. 201 Carp, Grayning .
. 202 ! • Caspian .

. 234
. 235

, fringe-lipped
cirrhated

. 203 I fin-back
2O3 ' thick- snouted

. 236
. 236

, -falcated .

204 thin-headed .

. 237

. American

t 204 ! sucking .

. 237

Biorka .

t 205 i Bleak

. 238

. Faren

205 • Galian .

. 239

. Grislagine

t 206 Herring .

. 240

. Bynni . • N

. 206 ! Gudgeon

. 241

- . Bulatmai

207 Gronovian

. 242

Capoeta

. 207 • Minow .

. 243

tuberous

. 208 Aphya .

. 244

. conical .

208 - " ' rivulet .

. 245

lobe-tailed

208 ! white-bait

. 246

. golden .

. 209

.. telescope

. 211 Esox GENUS

. 10O

four-lobed

. 212 i

Orf. . .

. 213 | ELOPS GENUS

. 125

. Tench .

. 217 Saury .

. 125

golden tench

. 217

ferruginous .

218 I EXOCOETUS GENUS

. 141

golden-black

" 219

punctated

. 220 FiSTULARIA GENUS

. 9-5

•it

. Zi£\J

97

^y 9

ical 98

Cyral . .

JiltfJil £f£"

, 224

razor

. 225 Flying- Fish, Mediterranean

Chub . .

141

round-tailed .

ooo nrpQnic

. 144

Raphe .

229 • American

. 146

Ide . . .

230 Commersonian

N

146

Serte

. 232

Dobule .

. 233 Herring, common .

. 159

Dace

. 234 Pilchard .

. 164

CONTEXTS.

ill

Herring, Shad . , .165

.,..., Snnt- Ifi7

LORICARTA GENUS

. 32
. 32
. 33
. 34
35
. 36

. 37

. 38
. 134

. 134
. 136
. 137
. 137
. 138
. 139
. 139
. 140
. 14O

. 10O
. 104
. 105
. 106

. 107

. 108
. 108
. 109
. 109
. 109
. 110
. Ill
. Ill
. 112
, 112

Anchovy . .168

T\/Ti1iKir 1 ^70

— •• i '-Inlrlinr

__. _ \fr\rin 1 "/"O

- f^hinosp 171

Thrissa . .172
Giant . .1/3
silver-striped . 174
bristle-jawed . 174
Dorab . .175
tuberculated . 175
yellow-fmned . 1 76
banded . .176
nasal . . .177
long-headed . 177
. tropical . . 1/8

Loche, common . . 1
great ... 3

--•--'•• triritl-inrl

MULLUS GENUS

Mullet common .
crenated
American .
Indian
Tang . .
Plumier's ,
blue- spotted
Chili . .
Forskal's .

Pike,, common
sea .
Barracuda
Fox .

heteroclite . . 5
Japanese . . 6

MORMYRUS GENUS . 247

248

silver-stripe .

25O

Gar . .

IV

UUi> 1 J&i^ * •?.

Pike, Saury .

114 || Salmon,, Lenok

49

. bony-scaled .
_ Cepedian

115 Nelma
117 Kundscha

48
49

. Leverian

119 _ Taimen

49

. Chili

1 19 Hucho

50

green . . •

120 red-bellied

51

. viper-mouthed

120 Samlet

55

lake ...

62

PLATYSTACUS GENUS

28 Umbla . .

63

63

28 'I • arctic .

64

29 pool ...

65

verted

3O rivulet

65

66

30 i| Saury

66

Tumbil . .

67

POLYN EMUS GENUS .

147 Smelt

68

Greenland

70

Polyneme, Paradise

147 great-toothed .

7i

Seb'in

14o eibbose

72

— plebeian

c/ |i o
150 marked

72

Nilotic .

|51 1 unspotted .

73

4-^vi -fi*-»nf£vi*£Wl

73

Tt-»r$*/rf»

155 Nilotic

74

74

— Virginian

156 flat- nosed

75

Pnrnmpr^nn's

75

Dl ' '

76

jriumiei s .

! falcated

77

VOLYPTEHUS GENUS .

122 fascia ted .

77

_-, , , ^Ti1 r\tio

i oo _ rriflPl"lC13.n

78

single-spotted .

/ u

79

SALMO GENUS

°O bhrl7" tilled

79

fulvous

80

Salmon, common .

3C) migratory .

80

Salmon-Trout .

46 autumnal .

81

grey . . .

47 Wartmann's .

82

CONTENTS.

V

Salmon, Grayling .

83

Silure,, ascitic

18

— — Gwiniad .

85

four- spotted

19

• broad Gwiniad .

86

red-finned

20

snouted

87

frog .

20

• Maraena

87

• fossil .

21

Maraenula

88

— — vittated

22

Peled . . .

89

atherinoid .

22.

Pidschan .

89

asote .

23

« Mudschan

89

mystic

23

Schokur .

90

eel

23

Muller's .

90

undecimal .

24

Vimba . .

91

horned

24

sharp- snouted ,

91

£-i1 *»-»/-»

24

bright

91

— — — cat ...

25

toothless .

92

Coan .

25

carinated .

26

SlLURUS GENUS

10

Docrnac

26

Chilian

27

Silure, common

10

Bajad . . .

27

military

12

Bagre .

12

Trout, common

51

TJV*»»rTVkZ*»*/Vi si »"»

13

Whiting

54

unarmed

14

SchierTermuller's

57

galeated

14

Goedenian .

58

knobbed

15

Salvelin

59

bimaculated

16

Salmarin

60

fasciated

16

Alpine .

60

electric

17

Carp . . .

6l

Clarias

18

-'Lepechin's .

62

Directions for placing the Plates in vol. V. part /.

The Vignette represents a diminished view of the Four-
Lobed Carp. Seep. 212.

The plate following the Vignette represents the gradual
progress of the generality of fishes from the egg or spawn.
Fig. 1. 2. part of a water-plant with some ova adhering to
the leaves. Fig. 3. an egg magnified. Fig. 4. the appearance
of the eggs on the seventh day, the eyes of the included
embryo being visible in the form of two black specks. Fig.
5. 6. magnified views of the egg on the point of hatching.
Fig. 7- natural size of the young, the smallest figure shewing
it newly hatched, the next eight hours after, and the third of
three weeks' growth. Fig. 8. a young Bream of one day's
growth, viewed from above by a microscope. Fig. 9. profile
view of the same. Fig. 10. microscopic view of a young
Bream of four days' growth, shewing the heart, with the
aorta, cava, &c. &c. &c. Fig. 11. magnified view of the
incipient scales. Fig. 12. the heart and commencement of
the aorta by the microscope.

Plate 93 to face page 1

94
95
96

97
98
99

100
101
102

7
10

12

18
28
30
33
38
39

Plate 103
104
105
106
107
108
109
110
111
112

to face page 59
*fi

r\>-»

93

... n 1-

SP

1 1 n

117

122

Directions for placing the Plates.

113 to face page 130

m „„,,,,.„„ , 1 0/1

Plate 123
124
125
126
127
128
129
130
131
132

to face page 194

11*5 l^fi

onfS

1 1 fi ' . " 1/11

1 1 7 „ "M4

O 1 C\

1 1 Q ., . . 1/17

— Oil

n-if-r

m_, ..... ,,,.,., ,. l 7n

Al/

o i q

OOQ

ERRATA.—VOL. V. PART I.

P. 89, In the description of the Mudschan Salmon, 1. 4, dele of the above fsbcs.
P. 141, in the generic character of Exocoetus, after Head scaly, read Javtt

connected on each side.
P. 206, in the description of the Bynni Carp, L 9, dele and.

%* The sixth and succeeding Volumes of this fVork
will be published with all reasonable expedition.

JV. B. Through an error in the Infcription and No. of Plate
125, it is inferted in a wrong genus at p. 206, under the title
of Bynni Carp, inftead of Eynni Polyneme, and fhould have
been placed oppofite p. 150.

9

FISHES.

ORDER

ABDOMINALES.

COBITIS. LOCHE.

Generic Character.

Os (plerisque) cirrosum.

Oculi in suprema capitis

parte.
Corpus fere sequale.

Squam<e parvae.
Vesica natatoria ossea.*

Mouthy in most species,
bearded.

Eyes situated in the upper
part of the head.

Body nearly of equal thick-
ness from head to tail.

Scales small, easily decidu-
ous.

or osseous.

COMMON LOCHE.

Cobitis Barbatula. C. jlaw-cinerea fusco variata, capite favi
compresso, cirris sex.

Yellow- grey Loche, with dusky variegations, smooth com-
pressed head, and six beards.

Cobitis cirris sex, capite inermi compresso. Lin. Syst. Nat.
p. 499. Block, t. 31. f. 3.

Bearded Loche. Penn. Brit. Zool. 3.

TH

E common Loche is found in many parts of
Europe, as France, Germany, Italy, &c. &c. It is

* Block.
V. V. P. I. 1

3 COMMON LOCHE.

an inhabitant of clear rivulets, where it commonly
resides at the bottom among gravel, &c. and is
on that account called in some parts of England
by the name of Groundling. It is well described
by Mr. Pennant, who informs us that it sometimes,
though rarely, arrives at the length of four inches
and three quarters, though it is generally found
much smaller, viz. about three inches in length :
the mouth is small, placed beneath, and destitute of
teeth : on the upper mandible are six small beards,
viz. one at each corner of the mouth, and four at
the end of the nose : the body is smooth, slippery,
and almost of an uniform thickness throughout :
the colour of the head, back, and sides is in some
white, in others of a dirty yellow, very elegantly
marked with large spots consisting of numberless-
minute black specks : the pectoral, dorsal, and
caudal fins are also spotted : the belly and ventral
fins are of a pure white : the tail broad, and a little
rounded. Dr. Bloch informs us that this fish is
covered with small scales ; a particular which seems
to have escaped the attention of the generality of
describers : he also informs us that the Loche dies
very soon after being taken out of the water, and
even when it is placed for any length of time in
still water; and as it is a fish which is supposed
very soon to lose its fine flavour, it is usual to
agitate from time to time the vessel of water in
which it is carried to any distance in order to be
dressed for the table. In point of delicacy it is
said to be equal, if not superior, to most other
fishes, and is cultivated with much care in some

GREAT LOCHE. 3

parts of Europe as an article of diet. It is sup-
posed to live principally on aquatic insects,
worms, &c. In Germany it is observed to spawn
iii the month of March, and is a very prolific
animal *.

GREAT LOCHE.

Cobitis Fossilis. C.fusco-jlavescens, striis longitudinalilus nigri-
cantibus, cirris octo, spinet utrinqiie Sttprooculari.

Yellow-brown Loche, with longitudinal blackish stripes, eight
beards, and a spine above each eye.

Cobitis fossilis cirris octo, spina supraoculari. Lin. Syst, Nat,
p. 5OO. Block, c. 3 1./. I.

THIS species is the largest of the genus, and is
a native of Germany and other midland parts of
Europe, inhabiting large lak^s and marshes. It
arrives at the length of eight, ten, or even some-
times fifteen inches, and is of a dull yellowish-brown,
colour, marked above by several longitudinal, deep-
brown or blackish stripes from head to tail: the
body is covered with very small and tender scales.
This species conceals itself during the winter, and
even at other times when' the marshes it inhabits
begin to grow dry, at some distance beneath the
surface of the mud, out of which it is occasionally
dug, and has in consequence been erroneously
represented by some authors as capable of living ia
the ground in the manner of the slow-worm. On

* This did not escape the observation of Shakespeare,

4 SPINY LOCHE.

the approach of stormy weather it is observed to
be unusually restless ; quitting the muddy bottom
in which it generally resides, and swimming about
near the surface of the water. It has therefore
been sometimes kept by way of a living barometer,
since when placed in a vessel of water with some
earth at the bottom, it never fails to predict the
approach of a storm by rising from the bottom of
the vessel, and swimming about in an unquiet
manner near the surface. When kept for this
purpose it should be provided with fresh water and
earth two or three times a week in summer, and
once a week, or once in ten days, in the winter : it
must also be kept during frosty weather in a warm
room. It is a prolific fish, and is remarkably tena-
cious of life.

SPINY LOCHE.

Cobitis Tsenia. C. griseo-jlcrvcscens, fusco macufata, cirris sex

brevibus, spina ulrinque subocithiri.
Yellow-grey Loche, with dusky spots, six short beards, and a

spine beneath each eye.
Cobitis Taenia. C. cirris sex, spina suboculari. Lin. Syst. Nat.

THIS is distinguished by a double spine situated
on each side the head, at a small distance before
the eyes. In colour and size it much resembles
the common loche, and is a native of Germany,
&c. inhabiting similar situations with the common
species. Dr. Bloch informs us that on placing a

HETEROCLITE LOCHE. 5

pair of these animals in a glass of river water with
a quantity of mud, they shewed an opposite dis-
position to that of the great loche with respect to
the changes of the weather; since they moved
briskly during calm weather instead of remaining
still like that species.

HETEROCLITE LOCHE.

Cobitis Heteroclita. C.fusca, sultmflavescens, squamis magnis,
ore iinbtrbi.

Brown Loche, yellowish beneath, with large scales, and beard-
less mouth.

Cobitis heteroclita. C. capite imberbi, pinna dorsali analiqite
tdbo-punctata, caudali nigro-fanciata. Lin. Syst, Nat. p. 500.

LENGTH about four inches : dusky above, and
yellowish beneath : body covered with large smooth
scales: head flattish ; lips denticulated: dorsal and
anal fins opposite, and seated at a great distance
from the head, or beyond the balance of the fish :
they are blackish, and powdered with pale trans-
parent specks : tail rounded, spotted with white,
and barred with black; the edge being transparent.
Native of Carolina, where it is called by the name
of mud- fish. Described by Dr. Garden ; but
doubtful whether, strictly speaking, of this genus.

6

JAPANESE LOCHE.

Cobitis Japonica. C. imberbis, capite depresso, man (lib nils denti*
culatis.

Beardless Loche, with depressed head and denticulated man-
dibles.

Cobitis Japonica. C. capite imberli depresso, mandiluUs dcntatis.
Lin. Syst. Nat. Gmel. p. 1352. Houttuyn. .Act. Haarl. 20.
p. 337.

LENGTH about five inches : native of Japan :
first described by Houttuyn in the 20th vol. of the
Haarlem Transactions. In the dorsal fin are
twelve rays ; in the pectoral eleven; in the ventral
eight ; in the anal nine ; and in the caudal twenty.

3

t

ta

ANABLEPS. ANABLEPS.

Generic Character.

Caput subdepressum. Os
terminale. Denies parvi
in maxiliis.

Oculi protuberantes pupillis
geminatis.

Membr. branch, radiis sex.

Head subdepressed. Mouth
terminal. Teeth small,
on the jaws.

Eyes protuberant, with
double pupils.

Gill-membrane six-rayed.

FOUR-EYED ANABLEPS.

Anableps Tetropthalmus. A. tinereo-jlavescens, lineis utrinque

loiigitudinalibus nigris.
Yellowish grey Anableps, with longitudinal black lines on each

side,
Cobitis Anableps. C. cirris duobw, capite deprcsso, oculis

prominulis. Lin. Syst, Nat. p. 499.
Anableps tetropthalmus. Block, t. 36 1.

JL HIS extraordinary fish in its general form bears
a near affinity to the genus Cobitis, with which it
was indeed united by Linnaeus; but the marked
particularity of its eyes, &c. amply justify its separ-
ation from the rest of the Loches. It seems to
have been first described by Artedi, who examined
some specimens which occurred in the collection of
Seba. The usual length of the animal is from six
to eight or ten inches, and its general habit, when
viewed laterally, is similar to that of the Loche;

8 FOUR-EYED ANABLEPS.

but when viewed from above, it appears of a much
more compressed form. It is every where covered
with moderately large, rounded scales, propor-
tionally smaller on the head than on other parts.
Its colour is a pale yellowish brown, ma.kcul
on each side by four or five longitudinal blackish
stripes; thus resembling in the disposition of its
pattern the Cobitis fossilis or great Loche. The
most striking particularity in the animal is the
extraordinary structure of its eyes, which diller
from those of every other known fish : they arc- < \-
tremely protuberant, situated on the upper part of
the head, and seem each divided into two distinct
eyes united in a comtnon case or tubular recep-
tacle : it appears however, on dissection, that though
the anterior half of each eye may be said to be
double, or furnished with two pupils, yet the
crystalline is in reality single ; the appearance of a
double eye on each side resulting merely from the
deep division of the anterior region. Another par-
ticularity in this animal is that the anal fin, accord-
ing to Gronov ius, varies in its structure in different
individuals ; being in some of a simple or regular
form, and furnished with nine soft rays, while in
Others it is formed into a tube *, which is either
solitary, or accompanied by a small additional fin.
This curious fish is a native of South America, and
is said principally to inhabit the rivers of Surinam,
near the sea-coasts. It appears, on dissection, to
te viviparous.

* This Is probably peculiar to the female fish : its structure
bed by Gronovius as internally cartilaginous.

is

AMIA. AMIA.

Generic Character.

Caput osseum, nudum, sea- '
brum,suturisconsp!<cuum.

Denies in mandibulis puJa- ,
toque, acuti, conferti.

Cirri n a sales duo.

Membr: branch: radiisduo-

decim.
Corpus squamosum.

Head bony, naked, rough,

with visible sutures.
Teeth both in jaws and palate,

close-set, sharp, numer-

ous.
Cirri or beards two, near

the nostrils.

Body scaly.

CAROLINIAN AMIA.

Amia Calva. A. cnuda macula nigra. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 500.
Amia with a black spot at the base of the tail.

JL HIS is a small fresh-water fish inhabiting some
parts of Carolina. The body is slender : the late-
ral line strait : on the throat are two shield-like
bones, striated from the centre : the gill-covers are
obstuse and bony : the head bare, as if excoriated :
the pectoral and ventral fins are of equal size : the
dorsal fin long and sloping : the tail rounded, and
marked with a black spot at the upper part of the
base. Described by Linnaeus from a specimen
sent from Carolina by Dr, Garden.

SILURUS. SILURE.

Generic Character.

Caput magnum, depressum.

Os amplum, cirrislongis ten-
taculatum.

Corpus elongatum, nudum :
pinnarum pectoralium, aut
dorsalis prioris radius pri-
mus retro dcntatus.

Head large, depressed.

Mouth wide, bearded by
long tentacula.

Body lengthened, naked:
first ray of the pectoral
fins, or of the first dorsal
Jin, toothed backwards.

EUROPEAN SILURE.

Silurus Glanis. 5. olivaccus, pinna dorsali minima, anali ad
cawlam continvata.

Olivaceous Silure, with very small dorsal fin, and anal fin con-
tinued to the tail.

Silurus Glanis. S. pinna dorsali mica mutica, cirris sex. Lin.
Syst. Nat. p. 501.

Silurus Glanis. Block, t. 34. Meiding Austr. t. Q.

JL HE great or common Silure may perhaps be
considered as the largest of all European river
fishes ; growing to the length of eight, ten, or even
fifteen feet, and to the weight of three hundred
pounds. Its more general length however is from
two to three or four feet. The head is broad and
depressed; the body thick and of a lengthened
form, with the abdomen very thick and short. It
is a fish of a remarkably inert or sluggish disposition,

M

EUROPEAN SILURE. 1 1

being rarely observed in motion, and commonly
lying half imbedded in the soft bottom of the rivers
it frequents, under the projecting roots of trees,
•rocks, logs, or other substances. In this situation
it remains, with its wide mouth half open, gently
moving about the long cirri or tentacula situated
on each side the jaws, which the smaller fishes
mistaking for worms, and attempting to seize, be-
come a ready prey to the sluggish Silure. The
usual colour of this species is dark, olive, varied
with irregular spots of black; the abdomen and
lips being of a pale flesh-colour, and the fins tinged
with violet. It is an inhabitant of the larger rivers
of Europe, as well as some parts of Asia and Africa;
but appears to be most plentiful in the north of
Europe. It is in no very high estimation as a food,
the flesh being of a somewhat glutinous nature,
but, from its cheapness, is in much request among
the inferior ranks, and is eaten either fresh or
salted : the skin also, which is smooth, and desti-
tute of apparent scales, is dried and stretched, and
after rubbing with oil, becomes of a horny trans-
parency and strength, and is used in some of the
northern regions instead of glass for windows.
The Silure is not a very prolific fish; depositing
but a small quantity of spawn, consisting of large
globules or ova : these, as well as the newly hatched
young, are frequently the prey of other fishes,
frogs, £c. and thus the great increase of the species
is prevented. The ova, according to Dr. Bloch,
usually hatch in the space of seven or nine days
from their exclusion.

12

MILITARY SILURE.

Silurus Militaris. S. olivacevs, ossiculis duobus frontalibus sub-
erectis, radio pinnae dorsalis validissimo, linea later ulijlexuosa.

Olivaceous Silure, with two suberect frontal bony spines, first
ray of dorsal fin very strong, and flexuous lateral line.

Silurus militaris. S. pinna dorsaU postica adiposa, cirris duobus
rigidis. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 503.

Silurus militaris. Block, t. 362.

LENGTH from twelve to eighteen inches : head
and fore-parts broad and depressed : mouth very
wide : teeth small and numerous : eyes large : on
each side the head, near the nostrils, a very strong,
suberect serrated spine or bony process : first ray
of the first dorsal fin, (which is lanceolate, and
situated near the head,) excessively large, strong,
and sharply serrated both on the middle-part and
towards the tip : tail slightly bilobate, with rounded
lobes. Native of the Indian rivers.

BAGRE SILURE.

Silurus Bagre. S. virescens, abdomine subargentco, pinnis pccto-

ralibus dorsalique elongatis, cauda furcata.
Greenish Silure, with silvery abdomen,, elongated dorsal and

pectoral fins, and forked tail.
Silurus Bagre. -S. pinna dorsali postica adiposa, radio primo

dorsalis pectoraliumque setaceo, cirris quatuor. Lin. Si/ si. Nat.

p. 505. Block, t. 365.

LENGTH from twelve to eighteen inches : mouth
furnished with four beards, those on the upper lip

HERZBERGIAN SILURE, 13

long, on the lower short : dorsal fin narrow, with
the first ray serrated at the base, and continued
into a long filament extending to the tail : at some
distance beyond the dorsal fin a single insulated
filament, rising from the middle of the back: pecto-
ral fins similar to the dorsal, but the first ray not
so long : adipose fin small, and situated near the
tail, which, as well as the rest of the fins, is of a
pale red, and deeply forked : anal fin bilobate :
ventral longish, and rather small. Native of the
Indian rivers : seems to vary as to the number of
beards on the mouth, which are either four or six.

HERZBERGIAN SILURE.

Silurus Herzbergii. S. olivaceus, abdomine argenteo, pinnis
pectoralibus dorsalique radio primo serrato, caudafurcata.

Olivaceous Silure, with silvery abdomen, first ray of dorsal
and pectoral fins serrated, and forked tail.

Silurus Herzbergii. S. corpore argenteo, radiis tredecim in
pinna ani. Block, t. 367.

LENGTH from twelve to eighteen inches; and
probably much more in the full-grown fish : habit
resembling that of Silurus Bagre and inermis :
mouth furnished with six beards, the upper pair
being of considerable length : first dorsal fin rather
small, with the first ray very strong, and serrated :
pectoral fins of similar appearance : adipose and
ventral fin placed opposite : tail deeply forked.
Native of the South- American rivers.

M

UNARMED SILURE.

Silurus Inermis. S, suloHvaceus, fusco transversim maculato-
fasciatiis, phuiis inermlbus, linca lateral) Jlexwxa.

Subolivaceous Silure, transversely banded with brown spots,
with unarmed fins, and flexuous lateral line.

Silurus inermis. 6'. pinna dorsali ad'posa, pinnis incrmibus,
cirris duobus. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 503,

Silurus inermis. Block, t. 363.

LENGTH about a foot : habit more slender than
in the preceding : head bony, but smooth, and
destitute of spiny processes : mouth without cirri * ?
first dorsal fin small and lanceolate; second adipose
and situated near the tail, which is forked, and of a
pale or whitish colour, as is likewise the anal fin.
Native of the Indian and South- American rivers.

GALEATED SILURE.

Silurus Galeatus. S. subfuscus, capite supra in areas sub-

quadratas osseas dtiiso, linea latcrali flexuosa.
Brownish Silure, with the head divided above into bony

squares, an 1 flexuous lateral line.
Silurus galeatus. S. pinna dorsali postica adiposa, ani radiis

vigiuti quatuor, cirris sex, cauda Integra. Lin. Syst. Nat. p.

503.
S. galeatus. Block, t. 369.

LENGTH eight or ten inches : habit very thick,
broad, and short : head large, ami covered at the

* Cirri two, according to Linnaeus, but very short, resembling
teotacula above the nostrils.

KNOBBED SILURB, 15

top by roughish bony plates, marked into separate
divisions, and terminating in a point behind : first
ray of the dorsal and of the pectoral fins extremely
strong and serrated : beards six : lateral line flexuous :
adipose fin small, and placed near the tail, which is
short and rounded. Native of South America.

KNOBBED SILURE.

Silurus Nodosus. S. olivaceus, subtus argenteus, pinnce dorsalis

basi gibbosa.
Olivaceous Silure, silvery beneath, with the base of the dorsal

fin gibbous.
Silurus nodosus. S. radio primo dorsali nodoso. Block, t. 368*

LENGTH about a foot : habit lengthened : head
and foreparts rather large : eyes moderately large :
mouth wide, and furnished with six cirri, of which
the two upper ones are of considerable length :
lateral line flexuose: first ray of the dorsal and
pectoral fins very strong and serrated : tail deeply
forked. Native of the Indian rivers.

BIMACULATED SILURE.

Silurus Bimaculatus. S. olwaceus, subtus argenteus, pinna

dorsali minima, caudafurcata apicibus tiigris.
Olivaceous Silure, silveiy beneath, with very small dorsal fiu^

and forked tail with black tips.
Silurus bimaculatus. S. maxilla infcriore longiore. Block, t.

364.

LENGTH twelve inches : body compressed : habit
lengthened : head small : upper lip furnished on
each side with a long cirrus : lateral line strait :
dorsal fin single, most uncommonly small, and
situated at the beginning of the back : pectoral
fins slightly rounded : ventral very small : vent
situated almost immediately beyond the ventral
fins : anal fin shallow, extending from the vent to
within a small distance of the tail, which is pretty
deeply lunated, and of a dull yellowish colour with
black tips. Native of the Indian rivers.

FASCIATED SILURE.

Silurus Fasciatus. S. capite producto, dcpresso, corpore fasciis

numerous transversis subfuscis.
Silure with lengthened depressed head, and body marked by

numerous transverse brownish bands.
Silurus fasciatus. S. pinna dorsali postica adiposa, ani radiis

tredecim, cirris sex. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 505.
Silurus fasciatus. S. capite longo spatulxformique. Block, t. 366.

LENGTH twelve or fifteen inches: habit long;
head long, much depressed, produced and rounded

ELECTRIC SILURE. 1?

in front : mouth furnished with six long beards,
two on the upper,- and four on the lower lip : body
elegantly banded with numerous transverse dusky
stripes placed in a ternate manner : fins pale, with
the rays barred with black: dorsal unarmed and
Situated near the middle of the back : tail sharply
forked* Native of the Indian and South- American
rivers.

ELECTRIC SILURE.

Silurus Electrlcus. S. cinerascens, versus cdudam fnacufo nigri-

cantibus varius, pinna dorsali imica adiposa, cirris sex,
Subcinereous Silure, variegated towards the tail with blackish

spots, with single, adipose dorsal fin, and six beards.
Silurus electricus. -S. pinna dorsali wiica adiposa, cirris sex.

Lin. Syst. Nat. Gmel. p. 1354. Brouss. act. Paris, ann.

1782.

LENGTH about twenty inches : head arid fore-parts
Very broad and depressed : on the upper lip two
cirri ; on the lower four : teeth small and numerous.
Native of the African rivers : observed by Forskal
in the Nile : possesses a degree of electric or gal-
vanic power, but in a much slighter degree than
the Torpedo. Forskal in his Fauna Arablca im-
properly names it Raja Torpedo.

V. v. p. i.

18

CLARIAS SILURE.

Silurus Clarias. S. fuscus subtus canus, cirris corpore longi-

oribus, caudafurcata.
Brown Silure, grey beneath, with beards longer than the body,

and forked tail.
Silurus Clarias. Block, t. 35.
Silurus Clarias. S. puma dorsali posfica adiposaf ani radii*

undecim, cirris sex. Lin. Syst, Nat. p. 504.

LENGTH twelve or fifteen inches : first ray of the
pectoral fins very strong, and serrated : mouth
furnished with six beards, two of which, viz. those
on the upper lip, are longer than the whole body :
back covered by a strong bony shield : upper lobe
of the tail longer than the lower, and both sharply
terminated. Native of the Indian and South-
American rivers.

ASCITIC S1LURE.

Silurus Ascita. S. fuscus t subfus cinereus, cirris corpore longi*

oribus>.cavdafurcat(i> pinna anlradiis sex.
$fown Silure, ash-coloured beneath, with beards longer than

the body, forked tail, and eleven rays in the anal fin.
Silurus Ascita. Block, t. 35.
Silurus Ascita ? Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 505.

HABIT greatly similar to that of S. Clarias:
beards six ; those of the upper lip longer than the
body. Tins species may be almost said to be vivi-
parous, the young being excluded in the form of
very large ova iu which the animal is fully formed

97

FOUR-SPOTTED SILURE. 1C)

and clearly seen through the surrounding integu-
ments, which it soon breaks; still adhering to the
parent for some time, till the yolk of the ovum is
consumed. Native of India.

FOUR-SPOTTED SILURE.

Silurus Quadrimaculatus. S. sitbfuscus, abdominc argentca,

cirris corpore longioribus, thorace utrinque macvlis quatuor

nigris.
Brownish Silure, with silvery abdomen, beards longer than

body, and thorax marked on each side by four black spots.
Silurus quadrimaculatus. S. pinna adiposa longa, radiis iiovcm

pinnce ani. Block, t. 3(58.

LENGTH about six inches : head and fore-parts
rather large : beards six in number, and of con-
siderable length, the -upper pair extending nearly
to the tip of the tail, which is strongly forked :
fins pale yellow : first dorsal rather broad and
without any very strong first ray : second or adi-
pose fin broad and shallow : first ray of the pecto-
ral fins strong and serrated : sides of the body
marked by the muscles into numerous transverse
streaks. Native of the South- American rivers.

RED-FlNNED SILURE.

Silurus Erythroptenls. S. nifus, subtus argenteiiSjpinnis rvfiris*
Rufous Silure, with silvery abdomen, and red fins.
Sflurus erythropterus. S. pinna adiposa caudoeque longa. Block,
t. 369. f. 2.

HABIT similar to that of S. quadrimaculatus, but
jof a longer shape : length seven or eight inches :
beards eight in number, viz. two pair above and
two below; the lowest pair of those on the upper
lip extending nearly to the middle of the tail, which
is long, very deeply and sharply forked, and, like
the rest of the fins, of a red colour : first ray of the
dorsal and pectoral fins very strong and serrated :
second or adipose dorsal fin broad and shallow :
body marked by transverse streaks as in the S.
quadrimaculatus. Native of South America.

FROG SILURE.

Siluras Batrachus. S. elongates fuscus, pinna dorsnli nfiUi a

nuchafere ad caudam continuata.
Elongated, brown Sirare, with soft dorsal fin continued from.

the neck almost to the tail.
Silurus Batrachus. S. pinna dorsali wiica, radiis sexaginta,

cirris octo. . Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 502.
Silurus Batrachus. S. pinna ani dorsique longa. Block, t. 3/0.

LENGTH eight or ten inches : habit long, as in
some of the Blennies; and the divisions of the
muscles visible on the sides in the form of so many

FOSSILE SI LURE. 21

transverse lines : head mailed by bony plates, and
terminating in a point behind : dorsal fin mode-
rately broad, extending from the beginning of the
back to the tail, and without any strong or serrated
ray : adipose fin wanting : first ray of the pectoral
fins strong and serrated : ventral fins placed at the
middle of the abdomen : anal fin commencing at a
small distance beyond them, and, like the dorsal,
extending nearly to the tail, which is short and
rounded : beards eight in number : the lowest pair
of those on the upper lip reaching almost as far as
the pectoral fins. Native of America.

FOSSILE SILL1 RE.

{Silurus Fossilis. S.fiisco-nigricans, siiblus canus, Coptic sattato,

pinna anali ad caudam continnata.
Blackish-brown Silure, grey beneath, with shielded head, and

anal fin continued to the tail.
Silurus fossilis. S. pinna dorsi breii, aid lunga, cawlcB rotunda.

Block, t. 3/0. f. 2.

LENGTH eight inches : body marked by trans-
verse linear streaks as in the preceding species :
head covered by bony shields, and pointed behind :
beards eight in number, and of moderate length :
dorsal fin small, and situated towards the beginning
of the back : adipose fin wanting : pectoral fins
small, with the first ray moderately strong : anal
broad and continued from the vent to the beginning
of the tail, which is small and rounded. Native of
the East Indies, inhabiting lakes, where it is some-
times dug out of the mud at the bottom, in the man-
ner of the CobitisfossUis.

22

VITTATED SILURE.
t

Silurus Vittatus. S.fuscus, subtus argenteus, vilta latcralijtava

supra infraque cccnileo marg'mata.
Brown Silure, with subargenteous abdomen, and yellow lateral

stripe with blue edges.
Silurus vittatus, S. vittis longitudinalibus. Bloch. t. 371. /• 2-

HABIT resembling that of the S. quadrimaculatus
and erythropterus : shape of the fins and tail nearly
the same: length about seven inches: beards eight,
of moderate length : sides of the body slightly
marked by linear streaks, as in some of the preced-
ing species. Native of India.

ATHERINOID SILURE.

Silurus Atherinoides. S. subflawsccns, dorso svbftUCQ, rilfa

later ah a r gen tea.
. Subflavescent Sihire, with brownish back, and silvery lateral

stripe.

Silurus atherinoides. S. stria longitudinali argentca. Blocli. t.
371. /. 1.

LENGTH about six inches : head small : beards
eight, slender, and of moderate length : sides of
the body slightly marked by the muscles into linear
transverse streaks : first ray of the dorsal, and of the
pectoral fins, strong and serrated : adipose fin small
and placed near the tail ; anal fin slightly coated
by very small scales at the base, and reaching from
the vent to within a small distance of the tail,
which is deeply forked: colour of all the fins pale
yellowish brown. Native of the rivers of Malabar.

ASOTE SILURE.

Silurus Asotus. S. pinna dorsali unica, cirris quatuor. Lin.

Syst. Nat.p 501.
Silure with single; dorsal fin and four beards.

MOUTH furnished with four beards, two above
and two below : teeth numerous : first ray of the
peetoral fins strong and serrated : that of the dorsal
fin smooth : anal fin long, and joined to the tail.
Native of Asia.

MYSTIC SILURE.

Silurus My stus. S. pinna dorsali unica, i adits sex, cirris octo,

Lin. Gmcl. JUus. Ad. 1 rid.

Silure with single eight- rayed dorsal fin, and eight beards.
Silurus Schilde Niloticus. .Hassclq. it. p. 376.

NATIVE of the Nile : tail forked.

EEL SILURE.

Silurus Anguillaris. S. pinna dorsali vnica, radiis septuaginta,

cirris octo. Lin. Gmcl. Mus. Ad. Frid.

Silure with single dorsal fin of seventy rays, and eight beards.
Black-Fish. Russet. Akpp.p. /3. t. 12. f. J.

UPPER cirri two : lateral two ; lower four. Na-
tive of the Nile.

UNDECIMAL SlLtfRE.

Silurus Undecimalis. S. pinna dorsi unka, radiis

cirris octo. Lin. Gmel. Mus. Ad. Frid.
Silure with single dorsal fin of eleven rays, and eight beard«.

NATIVE of Surinam : tail forked.

HORNED SILURE.

Silurus Cornutus. S. pinnis pectoralibus inermibus, radio primo
pinncc dorsalis primes dentalo. Lin. Gmel. Forsk. Arab.

Silure with unarmed pectoral fins, and first ray of the dorsal fin
toothed.

LENGTH about a span ; shape oval : body cari-
nated beneath t snout strait, compressed^ a little
recurved at the tip, and about half the length of
the body : first ray of the first dorsal fin extending
as far as the middle of the tail, and serrated beneath
for about half its length. Native of the Mediter-
ranean.

FELINE SILURE.

Silurus pelis. S. pinna dorsali postica adiposa, ani radiis viginti
tribus, cirris sex, cauda bifida. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 503.

Silure with the hinder dorsal fin adipose, twenty- three rays in
the anal fin, six beards, an£ bifid tail.

FOUR beards on the lower lip ; and one on each
side the upper: back blueish: ventral and anal fins
red: tail bifid. Native of the American seas, and
observed about Carolina by Dr. Garden.

GAT SILURE.

Silurus Catus. S. pinna dor salt postica adiposa, uni rddm

viginti, cirris octo. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 504.
Silure with the hinder dorsal fin adipose, twenty rays in the

anal fin, and eight beards.

LENGTH about two feet : form rounded and
thick : colour dusky above, pale flesh-colour be-
neath : head round : mouth very large : on the
upper jaw, beneath each eye, a very long beard :
pn the lower jaw four short beards : first dorsal fin
small and conic : second or adipose fin without
rays : rest of the fins small and red : tail forked,
Inhabits the sea and rivers of North America,
preying on all kinds of smaller fishes ; and not
sparing even those of its own kind: in taste re-
sembles an eel, and is much esteemed by the
Americans : is a fish of slow motion, like the
European Silure.

COAN SILURE,

Siluras Cons. S. pinna dorsali postica adiposa, ani radiis oclo,
cirris octo} cauda bifurca. Lin. Si/st. Nat. p. 504.

Silure with the hinder dorsal fin adipose, eight rays in the anal
fin, eight beards, and forked tail.

NATIVE of Syria.

CARTNATED SILURE.

Silurus Carinatus. S. pinna dorsali postica adiposa, linca later all
spinow, cirris sex pinnatis. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 504.

Silure with the hinder dorsal fin adipose, spiny lateral line, and
six pinnated beards.

SHAPE compressed: beard on each side the
mouth slightly pinnated beneath : the other four
or lower ones shorter, and papillated beneath :
lateral line subserrated and carinated with spines,
as in some of the Scombri : first ray of the first
dorsal fin strong, and serrated both above and
beneath : that of the pectoral fins toothed in a
reversed direction : tail forked. Native of Surinam.

DOCMAC SILURE.

Silurus Docmac. S. pinna dorsali postica adiposa , ani radiis
decent, cirris octo. Lin. Syst. Nat. GmeL p. 1357- Forsk.
Aral), p. 65.

Silure with the hinder dorsal fin adipose, ten rays in the anal
fin, and eight beards.

LENGTH near three feet : colour grey, whitish
beneath : head depressed : body convex above :
mouth furnished with eight beards ; the exterior
ones of the upper lip extending half the length of
the body : lateral line strait, and situated nearer
the back than the abdomen ; first ray of dorsal
and anal fins long and serrated, with soft tip. Na-
tive of the lower Nile, towards the Delta.

CHILIAN SILURE.

Silums Chilensis. S. pinna dorsali postica adiposa, cirris quatuor,
cauda lanceohita. Lin. Syst. Nat. Gmel. p. 1359. Molin.
Chil.p. 199.

Silure with the hinder dorsal fin adipose, four beards, and
lanceolate tail.

LENGTH about ten inches: colour brown, whitish
beneath: head large, snout obtuse. Native of the
fresh waters of Chili, and much esteemed as a food.

BAJAD SILUKE.

Silurus Bajad. S. pinna dorsali postica adiposa, ani radiis duo-
decim, cirris odo. Lin. Syst. Nat. Gmel. ]35p. Por.sk.
Arab. p. 66.

Silure with the hinder dorsal fin adipose, twelve rays in the
anal fin, and eight beards.

LENGTH about a foot : colour glaucous : head
obtuse, depressed, and marked on each side, before
the eyes, by an unequal pit or depression : upper
jaw longer than the lower : exterior beards of the
upper lip very long: lateral line at first descend-
ing, then strait : above the pectoral fins on each
side a very strong spine serrated in a reversed
direction : fins rufous : second dorsal or adipose fin
long : tail long, dilated towards the tip, and forked.
Native of the Nile.

PLATYSTACUS. PLATYSTACUS.

Generic Character.

Habitus Siluri.

Os subLus, cirris barbatum.

, depress-

um ; cauda longa, com-
pressa.

Habit of Silurus.

Mouth beneath, bearded

with cirri.
Body scaleiess, depressed ;

tail long, compressed.

/CETABULATED PLATYSTACUS.

Platystacus Cotylcphorus. P. drris sex, coiyledonibus icnl-

ralibus.

Platystacus with six beards, and ventral acetabula.
Platystacus cotylephorus. P. cirris sex, cotyledorubus in centre.

Block, t. 372.

Siluras Aspredo, Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 502.
Batrachus fuscus, &c. Klein, misc. pise. 5. p. 85.
Mystus cirris sex, &c. Seb. mus. 3. p. 36. t. 2Q./. p.

JL HE genus Platystacus, first instituted by Dr.
Blocb, is extremely nearly allied to that of Silurus.
The species are but few in number : the present is
remarkable for the numerous small acetabular pro-
cesses or suckers with which the under surface of
the body is beset, and which in young specimens
are but obscurely visible. It grows to the length
«>f a foot or more, and is a fish of a very uncouth

PLAIN PLATYSTACUS. 2Q

ftnd forbidding appearance, of a dusky brown colour
on the upper parts, and pale cinereous beneath : the
upper lip is furnished with a strong or callous edge,
which is continued on each side into a moderately
long cirrus ; and on each side the lower lip are two
smaller ones : the first ray of the pectoral fins is
excessively strong, and edged by a double, serrated
border : the dorsal fin is of moderate size, and fur-
nished with six rays : the anal shallow, and con-
tinued nearly to the tail, which is small and forked.
This fish is a native of the Indian seas and rivers.

PLAIN PLATYSTACUS.

Platystacus Laevus. Platystacus cirris ocfo> vcntrc Icwi.
Platystacus with eight beards, and smooth abdomen.
Platystacus cirris, octo, pinna ani longa. Eloch.
Silurus Aspredo. Lin. Syst. Nat.
Mystus, &c. Scb. inns. 3. p. 86. t. 2Q.f. 10.

THIS species in its general appearance so per-
fectly represents the preceding that it is not to be
distinguished from it without particular examin-
ation : the colour, number of rays in the fins, and
shape, are the same in both ; but the abdominal
acetabula or suckers are wanting : the mouth is
furnished with eight beards : the teeth are stronger
than in the preceding fish, and the skin on the
upper parts smoother. By Linnaeus it was con-
sidered as the same species with the former; but
Dr. Bloch appears to be of a different opinion.
May it not differ in sex only ?

30

WARTED PLATYSTACUS.

Platystacus Verrucosus. P.fitscus, supra tineia

verrucosis, puma aid brevi.
Brown Platystacus, marked above by longitudinal warted lines,

with short anal tin.

Platysracus verrucosus. P. pinna am breci. Block, t. 3/3. /. 3.
Aspredo cauda subrotunda, &c. Grunov. mus. 2, p. 5. t. 5.f. 3.

MUCH allied in general appearance to the
two preceding species, but smaller and of a less
elongated form: .mouth furnished with six beards:
first ray of the pectoral fins of similar appearance
with those of the former species : dorsal fin slightly
rounded : anal fin rather short : tail short and
rounded : body marked above by three or four lon-
gitudinal rows of smaller warts on each side from
breast to tail : colour brown above, paler beneath.
Native of the Indian seas.

EEL-SHAPED PLATYSTACUS.

Platystacus Anguillaris. P. fuscu.s, striis longitudinalibus albis,

pinna ani, caudce^ dorsique sccundo connatis.
Brown Platystacus, with longitudinal white stripes, and the

second dorsal, anal, and caudal fin united.
Platystacus anguillaris. P. pinna ani cauda: dorsique sccundo

connatis. Block, t. 3?3.f. 1.

LENGTH twelve or fifteen inches : form less broad
in front, than in the preceding species ; mouth fur-
nishcd with eight beards of moderate length ; two

•S4

>

EEL-SHAPED PLATYSTACUS. 31

on each side the upper, and the same number on
each side the lower lip : first dorsal fin rather
small, with the first ray strong and serrated : pec-
toral fins of similar size and structure : second
dorsal shallow, and continued along the lower part
of the back into the tail, which is shaped like that
of an eel, and meets the anal fin in a similar manner,
which is about the same length with the second
dorsal : colour deep brown above, marked on each
side the back by two longitudinal white lines :
abdomen pale: teeth placed in several rows, and
less sharp than in the former kinds. Native of the
Indian seas.

LQRICARIA. LORICARIA.

Generic Character.

tiabitus Siluri. II Habit of a Silurus.

Corpus cataphractum. || Body mailed.

RIBBED LORICARIA.

Loricaria Costata. ' L.fusco-ftrcescenS) online utrinque senior um

simplici, caudafurcata .
Yellowish-brown Loricaria, mailed by a single row of shield?

on each side, with forked tail.
Silurus costatus. S. pinna dorsali postica adiposa, squanm seric

simplici, cirris sex, cauda bifida. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 50(5.
Cataphractus cOstatus. C. or dine sctrtorum simplici, pinna

Iwiata. Block, t. 3/6.

i

N its general habit this fish resembles a species
of Silurus, the mouth being furnished with long
cirri, and the first rays of the /dorsal and pectoral
fin serrated : the head is large, depressed, covered
by a rough bony shield, projecting on each side the
thorax into an excessively strong and obtusely
pointed spine or process of considerable length :
the first ray of the dorsal and pectoral fins is very
thick, strong, sharp, and serrated on both edges :
the whole body, from the thorax, is strongly mailed
along each side by a continued series of very broad
bony plates or scales, each of which projects in th'*

100

ARMED LORICARTA. 33

middle into a short hooked spine or curved process :
the upper and under parts of the body, from the
small or adipose dorsal fin to the tail, are mailed in
the same manner, but with smaller plates than on
the sides : the tail is moderately large and sharply
forked : the beards in this species are six, viz. two
on the upper, and four on the lower lip : the colour
of the whole fish is yellowish-brown, deepest on the
head and back. It is a native of the Indian and
American seas. It is a fish of great strength and
boldness, and is said to be much dreaded by fisher-
men ; the strength and sharpness of its spines
enabling it to inflict very painful and dangerous
wounds.

ARMED LORICARIA.

Loricaria Cataphracta. L. fusca, ordine utrinque scutorwtf

siniplici, cauda rotandata.
Brown Loricaria, mailed by a single row of shields on each

side, with rounded tail.
Silurus cataphractus. S. pinna dor sail postica vniradiata, squamis

ordine simplici, cirris sex, cauda Integra. Lin. Syst. Nat. p.

506.
Cataphractus Americanus. Catesb. Carol. Append, t. 19.

GREATLY allied to the preceding, but differs in
having a rounded tail and in some other parr
ticulars : length about ten inches : head covered
by smooth, angular, bony plates : the sides of the
body with a continued series of strong perpen-
dicular, bony scales or plates, each notched in the
middle, and furnished, as in the former kind, with a.

v. v. p. i» 3

34 SOLDIER LORICARIA.

sharp hook, each plate lapping over the other st
little : pectoral fins said to consist of only a strong
bone, serrated on each side : dorsal fin formed in a
similar manner, but serrated only on the upper
side ; placed in a socket, and capable of being
erected or depressed at pleasure : colour of the
whole animal dull brown. Native of the American
seas.

SOLDIER LORICARIA.

Loricaria Callichthys. L. fusca, capitc rutundato deprcsso,

sqvamis utrinque ordine dupKci, cauda rotunda! a.
Brown Loricaria, with depressed, rounded head, double row

of scales on each side, and rounded tail.
Silurus Callichthys. 5. pinna dorsali pvstica uniradiata, squamis

ordine dupliti, cirris quatuor* Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 506.
Cataphractus Callichthys. C. capite dcpresso, ordine scutorum

dupUci. Block, t. 377. f. 1.

THIS remarkable species grows to the length of
ten or twelve inches, and is of a dusky brown
colour throughout, with a tinge of reddish or
yellowish brown on the fins and under parts : the
head is short, flat, rounded and of a bony hardness ;
and on each side is a very strong and thick conical
process or blunt spine : the sides of the body are
mailed by large strong scales or plates in a double
series, to the number of about thirty on each side :
they are serrated on the edges, and by their dis-
position form a furrow along the middle of each
side, resembling a lateral line : the back is marked
by a similar furrow : the abdomen is flat : the fins

SPECKLED LORICARIA. 3$

are rather small, and slightly rounded, and the
first spine of all the fins is strong and rough : the
tail is rather small, rounded, and marked with
several small black spots: the eyes are small : the
mouth of moderate width and furnished with four
long cirri or beards.

It is pretended by Marcgrave that this fish,
when distressed by a want of water, or the streams
it inhabits becoming too shallow, contrives to
make its way over land in order to discover some
deeper stream ; and occasionally perforates the
ground for the same purpose -, which latter method
should seem to be the most probable of the two.

It is said to be in considerable esteem among
the inhabitants of Surinam and other parts as a
food, and is, according to Piso, fried and eaten
with salt and pepper.

SPECKLED LORICARIA.

koricaria Punctata. L. jlava, dorso subfusco, squamis utrinquc
ordine duplici, pinnis 7iigro-punctatis, caudafurcata.

Yellow Loricaria, with brownish back, double row of scales on
each side, fins speckled with black, and forked tail.

Cataphractus punctatus. C. capite compresso. Block, t. 377-
/• 2.

A SMALL, but elegant species : length five or six
inches : shape like that of the generality of fishes :
head compressed and pretty much rounded in
front : mouth furnished with four beards : sides,
from the thorax, mailed by a double series of scales

36 STURGEON LORICARIA.

or shields, finely serrated at the edges, and marked
along the middle of the body by small black specks :
head and back marked by numerous specks of a
rather larger size : colour of the whole fish pale
yellow, with a strong cast of reddish brown on the
top of the head and back : fins pale-yellow, speckled
with black : dorsal fin marked by a large black
spot at the tip : tail forked, and barred by rows of
black specks. Native of the rivers of Surinam.

STURGEON LORICARIA.

Loricaria Accipenser. L. elongatafusco-jla'vcsccns, ore edentulo;

f route rotwidata, pinnis maculatis.
Lengthened yellowish-brown Loricaria, with toothless mouth,

rounded front, and spotted fins.

Loricaria maculata. L. dentibm carens. Block, t. 3/5. /. 1.
Plecostomus, &c. Gronov. zooph.p. \1J . n. 391.
Loricaria cataphracta. L. pinna dorsi umca, cirris daobus. Lin.

Syst. Nat. p. 508.

HABIT long and slender; not ill resembling that
of a Sturgeon : head large, and marked into several
angular divisions : mouth small, and placed beneath :
body mailed on each side the fore-part by a triple
row of scaly plates, each marked on the middle by
a spiny point; hinder part compressed, and mailed
by a single row on each side, the spiny points run-
ning down the back and forming a carina on that
part : pectoral, ventral, and dorsal fm pale yellow
spotted with brown : tail lunated, spotted in a
similar manner, with the addition of a large brown
patch on the lower lobe : anal fin situated beneath

TOOTHED LORICARIA. 37

the middle of the body, and plain or unspotted :
colour of the whole fish dull yellowish brown, with
a few distant bands of deep-brown spots : surface
roughened with small points. Native of the Indian
seas, growing to the length of twelve or fifteen
inches or more.

TOOTHED LORICARIA.

Loricaria Dentata. L. elongata fusco-Jlavcscens, ore dcntato,

cirroso, naso subacuminato.
Lengthened yellowish-brown Loricaria, with toothed, cirrated

mouth,, and slightly pointed snout.

Plecostomus dorso monopterygip, &c. Gronov. zooph. p. 127.
Loricaria Cataphracta. L. dentata, pinna dorsi unica. Block.

t. 375. /. 3. # 4.
Loricaria cataphracta. L. pinna dorsi unica, cirris duolns.

Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 508.

THIS is so very nearly allied to the preceding,
that it might readily pass for the same species,
but diners in having the mouth furnished with
teeth, and in having a slightly pointed snout : the
region surrounding the mouth is also roughened by
numerous small filaments or processes: the abdo-
men is covered rather with middle sized scales than
with the broad processes of the former fish; and
lastly, the first ray of the tail is much longer in
proportion, equalling in some specimens, the length
of the whole body. It is a native of the Indian
seas.

38

YELLOW LORICARIA.

Loricaria Flava. L. Jlava fusco maculata, cauda striis trans-

versisfmcis, dorso dipterygio*
Yellow Loricaria, spotted with brown, with two dorsal fins,

and tail marked by transverse bands.

Loricaria Plecostomus. L. pinnis dorsi duabus. Block, t. 374.
Accipenser Indicus. Lin. Mus. Ad. Frid. p. 55. t. 28. /. 4.
Loricaria Plecostomus. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 508.

AN elegant species : length about ten inches :
habit much less slender than in the two preceding :
head large, and roughened by minute points :
mouth placed beneath : body mailed by four rows of
scales or plates on each side, each scale terminated
by a short spine : dorsal iin large : second dorsal
or spurious fin very small, and blackish : tail
lunated, with pointed lobes, the lower somewhat
longer than the upper : colour of the whole animal
orange-yellow, thickly spotted, except on the head,
by small round, deep-brown spots : tail barred by
several stripes of the same colour. Native of the
Indian seas.

ft

SALMO. SALMON.

Generic Character,

Caput Iseve, compressum :
Lingua cartilaginea :
Denies in. maxillis, lingua.

r

Membr : branch : radiis qua-

tuor ad decem.
Corpus elongatum, postice

pinna adiposa.

Head smooth, compressed :
Tongue cartilaginous.
Teeth both in the jaws
and on the tongue.

Gill-membrane from four to
ten-rayed.

Body compressed, furnished
at the hind part with an
adipose fin.

COMMON SALMON.

Salmo Salar. S. griseo-argenteus, corpore maculato, maxillis

maris apice incurvatis.
Silvery-grey, spotted Salmon, with the jaws (in the male) in-

curvated.
Salmo Salar. S. rostro ultra, inferior em maxillam prominent c>

Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 50Q.
Salmo. Will ichth. p. 189. t. 11. f. 2.

A H E Salmon, so highly esteemed for the delicacy
of its flavour, and so important an article in a com-
mercial view, is chiefly an inhabitant of the northern
regions, where it occurs at different periods both in
salt and fresh waters ; quitting the sea at certain
seasons to deposit its spawn in the gravelly beds
of rivers, at a great distance from their mouths. In

40 COMMON SALMON.

order to arrive at the spots proper for this purpose
there are scarce any obstacles which the fish
will not surmount. They will ascend rivers* for
hundreds of miles ; force themselves against the
most rapid streams, and spring with amazing
agility over cataracts of several feet in height.
They are taken, according to Mr. Pennant, in
the Rhine as high as Basil : they gain the sources
of the Lapland rivers, in spite of their torrent-like
currents : they surpass the perpendicular falls of
Leixlipf, KennerthJ, and Pont-Aberglastyn||. At
the latter of these places Mr. Pennant assures us
that he has himself witnessed the efforts of the
Salmon, and seen scores of fish, some of which
succeeded, while others miscarried in the attempt
during the time of his observation. It may be
added, that the Salmon, like the Swallow, is said to
return each season to the self-same spot to deposit
its spawn. This has been ascertained by the ex-
periments of Monsr. De la Lande, who fastening a
small ring of copper to the tails of some individuals,
and then setting them at liberty, found that some
of them made their appearance in the same place
for three succeeding seasons §. The experiment
of fastening gold or silver rings to Salmon is said
by Dr. Bloch to have been occasionally practised
by some of the Eastern princes, and it is added
that by this method a communication has been

* Brit. Zoology. f Near Dublin.

I On the Thy in S. Wales. || Amid Snowdon hills.

§ So Monsr. De la Lande was assured by the fishermen.

COMMON SALMON. 41

proved between the Caspian and Northern seas
and the Persian Gulf.

The general history of the Salmon fishery on the
river Tweed is amply detailed by Mr. Pennant in
the third volume of the British Zoology, chiefly
from the communications of Mr. Potts, an inhabit-
ant of the town of Berwick. The principal parti-
culars are as follows.

" At the latter end of the year, or in the month
of November, the Salmon begin to press up the
river as far as they can reach, in order to spawn.
When that time approaches they seek for a place
fit for the purpose : the male and female unite in
forming a proper receptacle for it in the sand or
gravel, about the depth of eighteen inches : in this
the female deposits the spawn, which they after-
wards cover carefully up by means of their tails,
which are observed to have no skin on them for
some time after this period. The spawn lies
buried till spring, if not disturbed by violent floods,
but the Salmon hasten to the sea as soon as they
are able, in order to recover their strength : for
after spawning they are observed to become very
lean, and are then called by the name of Kippers.
When the Salmon first enter the rivers they are
observed to have a great many small animals ad-
hering to them, especially about the gills : these
are the Lerncece Salmonece of Linnreus, and are
signs that the fish is in high season : soon after the
Salmon have left the sea, the Lernreas die, and
drop off. About the latter end of March the
spawn begins to exclude the young, which gra-

42 COMMON SALMON.

dually increase to the length of four or five inches,
and are then called Smelts or Smouts. About the
beginning of May the river is full of them; it
seems to be all alive; and there is no having an
idea of their numbers without seeing them ; but a
seasonable flood then hurries them all to sea, scarce
any or very few of them being left in the river.
About the middle of June the earliest of the fry
begin to drop as it were into the river again from the
sea, at that time about twelve, fourteen, or sixteen
inches in length, and by a gradual progress, in-
crease in number and size, till about the end of
July, which is at Berwick termed the Gilse time
(the name given to the fish at that age). At the
end of July, or the beginning of August, they
lessen in number, but increase in size, some being
six, seven, eight, or nine pounds weight. This
appears to be a surprising growth ; yet we have
received from a gentleman at Warrington an in-
stance still more so. A Salmon weighing seven
pounds three quarters, taken on the seventh of
February, being marked with scissars on the back
fin and tail, and turned into the river, was again
taken on the seventeenth of the following March,
and then found to weigh seventeen pounds and a
half*.

" All fishermen agree that they never find any
food in the stomach of this fish. Perhaps during

* According to Dr. Bloch the growth of the Salmon appears to
be much slower than here stated. He informs us that a Salmon
«f five or six years old weighs from ten to twelve pounds.

'COMMON SALMON. 43

the spawning time they may entirely neglect their
food, as the Phocse called sea-lions and sea-bears
are known to do for months together during the
breeding season, and it may be that, like those
animals, the Salmon return to sea lank and lean,
and come from it in good condition. It is evident
that at times their food is both fish and worms,
for the angler uses both with good success, as well
as a large gaudy artificial fly, which the fish pro-
bably mistakes for a gay Libellula or dragon-fly,
The capture about the Tweed is prodigious : in a
good fishery, often a boat load, and sometimes
near two, are taken in a tide. Some few years ago
there were above seven hundred fish taken at one
hawl, but from fifty to an hundred is very frequent :
the coopers in Berwick then begin to salt both
Salmon and Gilses in pipes and other large vessels,
and afterwards barrel * them to send abroad, having
then more than the London markets can take off
their hands. Most of the Salmon taken before
April, or to the setting in of warm weather, is sent
fresh to London in baskets, unless now and then
the vessel is disappointed by contrary winds of sail-
ing immediately, in which case the fish is brought
ashore again to the cooper's offices and boiled,
pickled, and kitted, and sent to the London markets
by the same ship, and fresh Salmon put into the
baskets in lieu of the stale ones. At the beginning
of the season, when a ship is on the point of sailing,

* The Salmon barrel holds above forty-two gallons wine
jneasure.

44 COMMON SALMON.

a clean fresh Salmon shall sell from a shilling to
eighteenpence a pound, and most of the time that
this part of the trade is carried on, the prices are
from five to nine shillings per stone*, the value
rising and falling according to the plenty of fish, or
the prospect of a fair or foul wind f. Some fish are
sent in this manner to London the latter end of
September, when the weather proves cool, but the
fish are then full of large rocs, grow very thin-
bellied, and are not esteemed either palatable or
wholesome. The price of fresh fish in the month
of July, when they are most plentiful, has been
known to be as low as 8d. per stone.

" The season for fishing in the Tweed begins
Novr. the 3Oth, but the fishermen work very little
till after Christmas. It ends on Michaelmas-day ;
yet the corporation of Berwick (who are the con-
servators of the river) indulge the fishermen with a
fortnight past that time, on account of the change
of the style.

" There are on the river forty-one considerable
fisheries extending upwards, about fourteen miles
from the mouth (the others being of no great value),
which are rented for near ,£5400 per annum. The
expence attending the servants' wages, nets, boats,
&c. amounts to ,£5000 more, which together makes

* A stone of Salmon weighs 18lb. 20 ounces and a half, or in
other terms, four stones, or forty- six pounds avoirdupoise, is only
3 stones or 42lb. fish-weight at Berwick.

f The Salmon sent from Berwick to London are at present
-generally packed in ice, which is preserved in ice-houses through-
out the winter for that purpose.

COMMON SALMON. 45

up the sum ^ 10400. Now in consequence the
produce must defray all, and no less than twenty
times the sum of fish will effect it, so that 208000
Salmon must be caught there one year with an-
other."

The general length of the Salmon is from two
and a half to three feet, but sometimes much
more * : the male is principally distinguished by
the curvature of the jaws ; both the upper and
lower mandible bending towards each other more
or less in different individuals, and at different sea-
sons. The general colour of both sexes is a silvery
grey, of a much darker cast on the back : the sides
of the male are marked with numerous, small, irre-
gular, dusky and copper-coloured spots, while those
of the female exhibit only several rather large, di-
stant, roundish, or somewhat lunated spots of a
dark colour. Exclusive of these differences, the
male is of a somewhat longer or more slender shape
than the female : the scales in the Salmon are
middle-sized, and not very strongly adherent.

In the intestinal canal of the Salmon is often
found a species of Tsenia or tape-worm of about
three feet in length. Di\ Bioch informs us that in
a Salmon which had been three weeks dead, he
found one of these worms still living.

* It is said to be sometimes found of the length of six feet.
Mr. Pennant mentions one of seventy-four pounds weight as the
largest he ever heard pf.

SALMON-TROUT.

Salmo Tiiitta. S. grisco-purpurasccns, capite, corpore, pinnaque

dorsali nigro guttati.s.
Puiplish-grey Salmon, with the head, body, and dorsal fin

bedropped with black spots.
Salmo Trutta. •$'. ocellis nigris iridibus bnumcis, pinna, pectorali

punctata. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 5O9*
Sea Trout. Pcnn. Brit. Zool
Trutta Salmonata. Will, ichth. p. 1Q3.

GREATLY allied in point of general appearance
to the Salmon, but rarely of equal size : colour
purplish or violet, with the head and whole body
pretty thickly marked with rather small round dark
or blackish spots, surrounded by a paler circle:
scales rather small. Native of the European seas,
passing, like the Salmon, into rivers to deposit its
spawn : is of equal delicacy with the Salmon, and
the flesh of similar colour : varies occasionally both
in colour and spots, which are sometimes rather
angular than round : possesses a considerable de-
gree of phosphoric quality, which seems to reside
in the viscid mucus covering the skin. Dr. Bloch
observes that the Linnaean specific character of this
fish, as given in the Systema Naturae, cannot be
depended upon ; since he could not observe on his
specimen the points or specks on the pectoral fins.
Like the Salmon, this fish is prepared in different
methods for sale, being sold both fresh and salted,
as well as smoked, pickled, &c. &c.

GREY SALMON.

Salmo Eriox. <S. c'mereus, purpureo maculatus, abdomine sub'

argent eo.

Grey Salmon, with purple spots and subargenteous abdomen.
Salmo Eriox. S. maculis cinereis, caudtt extremo ceqwli. Lin.

Syst. Nat. p. 5QQ.

Salmo cinereus seu griseus. Will, ichth. p. 1Q3.
Grey Salmon. Penn. Brit. Zool.

THE inhabitants of the North of England and of
South- Wales seem, according to Mr. Pennant, ex-
tremely well assured that this is a distinct species
from the common Salmon. Mr. Kay also con-
sidered it as distinct. The head is larger in pro-
portion than in the Salmon ; in the jaws are four
rows of teeth, and in the tongue are eight teeth :
the back, and sides, above the lateral line, are of a
deep grey, spotted with a number of purplish spots;
the belly silvery : the tail even at the end. The
lower jaw grows hooked when the fish is out of
season. It is a strong fish, and does not ascend
the fresh water till August, when it rushes up the
rivers with great violence, and is rarely taken. It
appears in the Esk in Cumberland from July to
September, and is then in spawn. Mr. Pennant
supposes this to be the fish called by the name of
Savin or Shewin in South- Wales.

48

LENOK SALMON.

Salmo Lenok. S. snbuurcolus, puncli-s spams fuscis,
fuscescens, subtus Jlaxesccns. Lin.Syst. Nat. Gmel. p. 1373.
Pall. it. 2. p. 716.

Slightly gilded Salmon, with scattered brown spots, with
brownish back, and yellowish abdomen.

LENGTH three feet; of a broadish and thick form :
pupils of the eyes angulated in front : dorsal fin
spotted : pectoral fins yellowish : ventral reddish :
anal deepish red : tail dusky-red and bifid. In*
habits the rocky torrents of the most rapid rivers
in Siberia.

NKLMA SALMON.

Salmo Nelma. S. ex albo argenteus, capite maximc elongato,
mandibu/a inferiore mnlio Inngiorc. Lin. Syst. Nat. Gmct.
p. 1372. Pall. it. 2. p. /16.

Silvery white Salmon, with greatly elongated head, and lower
jaw much longer than the upper.

LENGTH from three to six feet : snout depressed :
mouth rather large, and furnished with large lateral
laminae : scales large : tail .forked. Inhabits the
larger rivers of Siberia.

KUNDSCHA SALMON.

Salmo Kundscha. S. argenteus, guttis aMs, caiida l/furca.

Lin. Syst. Nat. Gmel. p. 1373. Pall. it. 2. p . 7l&
Silvery Salmon, with white spots, and forked tail.

LENGTH about two feet : allied to AS'. Eriox, but
with a forked tail : body blueish below the lateral
line : irides silvery-yellow : adipose fin small and
serrated. This species is said to be common in
summer in the bays of the Northern sea, scarcely
ever entering rivers.

TAIMEN SALMON.

Salmo Taimen. S.fuscescens, guttis crebris fuscis adspersus,
cauda bifurca. Lin. Syst. Nat. Gmel. p. 1372. Pall. it. 2. p.
716.

Brownish Salmon, with numerous brown spots, and forked
tail.

LENGTH three feet and a half: colour brownish,
with numerous dusky spots : sides slightly silvery :
abdomen white : headlong; snout a little depressed :
teeth hooked : lower jaw rather longer than the
upper : dorsal fin brown ; ventral whitish ; anal
deep red ; tail dusky-red : flesh white. Inhabits
the rivers running into the frozen sea.

v. v. P. i.

HUCHO SALMON.

Salmo Hucho. S-. subehngatus subfmcus^ corpore pinnisquc

fusco-guttatis, cauda bifurca.
Brownish subelongated Salmon,, with body and fins bedropped

with brown spots, and forked tail.
Salmo Hucho. S. oblongus, dcntium lineis dwbus palati, maculis

tantummodo nigris. Lin. Syst. Nat.Gmel. p. 1369.
Salmo Hucho. S. maculis rotundis in trunco pinmsque. Block.

t. 100.

SHAPE like that of a Salmon but considerably
longer in proportion : length from two to four or
five feet : colour silvery-grey, with numerous round,
deep-brown spots : back dusky : fins (except the
ventral which are yellowish) pale purple, thickly
spotted with brown, not excepting even the adipose
or small fin : tail forked : abdomen plain or un-
spotted : scales rather small : lateral line nearly
strait. Inhabits the Danube, the Bavarian and
Austrian lakes, and the rivers of Russia and Siberia:
not much esteemed as a food, the flesh wanting
firmness.

51

RED-BELLIED SALMON.

Salmo Erythrinus. S. supra fuscus ocdlis coccineis, abdomine

postice coccineo.
Brown Salmon with red ocellate spots, with the hind part of

the abdomen bright-red.
Salmo Erythrinus. S. ocellis coccinds, mandibulis Kqualibus.

Lin. Syst. Nat. Gmel. p. 1368. Georg. it. p. 156. t. I./. 1.

LENGTH about two feet : habit that of S. Eriox :
body plump : head slightly compressed : snout
conic, obtuse : teeth in the palate and jaws in a
double arch : tongue broad, toothed : back brown ;
abdomen red : dorsal fin grey, marked with dirty-
red ocellate spots : spurious or small dorsal fin
brown and lengthened: pectoral fins paler: ventral
and anal deep scarlet : tail reddish-brown and fork-
ed. Inhabits the lakes and rivers of Siberia

COMMON TROUT.

Salmo Fario. S. griseo-flavescens, maculis rubris, maxilla in-

feriore sublongiore.
Yellowish-grey Salmon,, with red spots, and lower jaw rather

longer than the upper.
Salmo Fario. S. maculis rubris, maxilla inferiore sublongiore.

Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 50Q.
Salmo Fario. S. ocellis rubris, iridibus lucidioribus, pinna anali

radiis undccim. Block, t. 22. 23.
Trutta fluviatilis. Will, ichth. Trout. Penn. Brit. Zool.

THE Trout is an inhabitant of clear arid cold
streams and lakes in most parts of Europe, and

52 COMMON TROUT.

admits of considerable variety as to the tinge both
of its ground-colour and spots. Its general length
is from twelve to fifteen or sixteen inches, and its
colour yellowish-grey, darker or browner on the
back, and marked on the sides by several rather
distant, round, bright-red spots, each surrounded
by a tinge of pale blue-grey. Sometimes the
ground-colour of the body is a purplish grey ; the
red spots much larger, more or less mixed with
black, and the belly of a white or silvery cast : the
fins are of a pale purplish brown; the dorsal fin
marked with several darker spots : the head is
rather large, the scales small, and the lateral line
strait. The female fish is of a brighter and more
beautiful appearance than the male.

Mr. Pennant informs us that in the Lake Llyn-
divi in South- Wales are Trouts marked with red
and black spots as large as sixpences ; and others
unspotted and of a reddish hue, sometimes weigh-
ing near ten pounds ; but these latter are said to
IDC bad tasted.

In general the Trout prefers clear, cold, and
briskly-running waters, with a stony or gravelly
bottom : it swims with rapidity, and, like the
Salmon, springs occasionally to a very consider-
able height in order to surmount any obstacle in its
course. It lives on worms, small fishes, shell-fish,
and aquatic insects, and is particularly delighted
with may-flies (Ephemeral), as well as with Phry-
ganea-, Gnats, and their lame. It generally
spawns in September, or in the colder parts of
Europe, in October, and at those times gets among

COMMON TROUT. 53

the roots of trees, stones, &c. in order to deposit its
eggs, which are observed to be far less numerous
than those of other river-fish*. Yet the Trout, as
Bloch observes, is a fish that admits of very con-
siderable increase ; owing, no doubt, to the cir-
cumstance of most of the voracious kind of fishes
avoiding waters of so cold a nature as those which
Trout s delight to inhabit ; and their increase would
be still greater, were they not themselves of a vora-
cious disposition, frequently preying even on each
other.

The merit of the Trout as an article of food is
too well known to require particular notice. In
this respect however, as in other fishes? those are
most esteemed which are natives of the clearest
waters.

The stomach of this fish is uncommonly strong
and thick ; but this circumstance is observed to be
no where so remarkable as in those found in some
of the Irish lakes, and particularly in those of the
county of Galway, These are called Gillaroo
Trouts: on the most accurate examination however,
it does not appear that they are specifically differ-
ent from the common Trout, but by living much
on shell-fish, and swallowing small stones at the
same time, their stomachs acquire a much greater
degree of thickness, and a kind of muscular appear-
ance, so as to resemble a sort of gizzard.

Mr. Pennant observes, that it is matter of sur-

* They are about the size of peas, and of a bright orange-
colour.

54 WHITING SALMON.

prise that the Trout, though so common a fish,
should appear to be unnoticed by the ancients,
except Ausonius, who is supposed to have intended
it by the name of Salar. He mentions it however
merely on account of its beauty, and without any
thing relative to its merit as a food.

" Purpureisque Salar stellatus tergora guttis."
And Salar stain1 d with purple drops above.

WHITING SALMON.

Salmo Phinoc. S. griseo-argenteus, abdomine nitidissimo, pinna

dorsali nigro-maculata, cauda nigra furcata.
Silvery-grey Salmon, with very bright abdomen, dorsal fiti

spotted witli black, and black forked tail.
White Salmon. Pcnn. Brit. Zool.

THIS species, says Mr. Pennant, migrates out of
sea into the river Esk in Cumberland from July to
September, and is called from its colour the Whit-
ing. When dressed the flesh is red, and most de-
licious eating : these fishes have, on their first ap-
pearance from the salt-water, the Lernaaa Salmonea
or Salmon-louse adhering to them : both sexes are
observed in the river, some having the milt or soft
roe, and some the hard or ovarium ; but their fry
has not yet been observed. This fish is by the Scots
called by the name of Phinoc. It never exceeds a
foot in length: the upper jaw is a little longer than
the lower : in the first are two rows of teeth ; in
the latter one : on the tongue are six teeth : the
back is strait : the body of an elegant form : the

SAMLET SALMON. 55

lateral line strait : the colour between that and the
top of the back is dusky and silvery intermixed ;
beneath the line of an exquisite silvery whiteness :
the first dorsal fin spotted with black: the tail black,
and much forked : the first dorsal fin has eleven
rays ; the pectoral thirteen ; the ventral and anal
nine.

SAMLET SALMON.

Salmo Salmulus. S. griseo-ccentkscens, macttlis distantibus sub"

rubris, caudafurcata.
Blueish-grey Salmon, with distant reddish spots, and forked

tail.

Samlet Penn. Brif. Zool.
Salmulus, Samlet. Will, icldh. p. 192.

THE Samlet is, according to Pennant, the least of
British species of this genus, and is frequently
seen in the river Wye, in the upper part of the
Severn, and in the rivers that run into it, in the
North of England, and in Wales. It is by several
imagined to be the fry of the Salmon ; but Mr.
Pennant dissents from this opinion for the following
reasons : first, it is well known that the Salmon fry
never continue in fresh water the whole year, but,
as numerous as they appear on their first escape,
from the spawn, all vanish on the first vernal flood
that happens, which sweeps them into the sea, and
leaves scarcely one behind : secondly, the growth
of Salmon fry is so quick and so considerable as
suddenly to exceed the bulk of the largest Samlet ;
for example, the fry that have quitted the fresh

56 SAMLET SALMON.

water in spring, not larger than gudgeons, return
into it again a foot or more in length : thirdly, the
Salmon obtains a considerable bulk before it begins
to breed ; the Samlets, on the contrary, are found
both male and female of -their common size, and
are readily distinguished by being furnished with
either the hard or soft roe : fourthly, they are found
in the fresh waters all times of the year, and even
at seasons when the Salmon fry have gained a con-
siderable size. It is well known that at Shrewsbury
(where they are called Samsons), they are found in
such quantities in the month of September, that a
skilful angler, in a coracle, will take with a fly from
twelve to sixteen dozen in a day. They spawn in
November and December, at which time those of
the Severn push up towards the head of that river,
quitting the smaller brooks, and return into them
again when they have done spawning. They have a
general resemblance to the Trout, and must there-
lore be described comparatively.

The head is proportionally narrower, and the
mouth smaller : the body deeper : the length
seldom more than six or seven inches ; or at most
about eight and a half: the pectoral fins have
generally but one large black spot, though some-
times a single small one attends it ; whereas the
pectoral fins of the Trout are more numerously
marked : the spurious or fat fin on the back is
never tipped with red, nor is the edge of the anal
lin white: the spots on the body are fewer, and
not so bright : the body is also marked from back
to sides with six or seven large blueish bars ; but

SCHIEFFERMULLER'S TROUT. 5^

this Mr. Pennant allows to be not a certain cha-
racter, as the same is sometimes observed in young
Trouts : lastly, the tail of the Samlet is much more
forked than that of the Trout. The Samlet is very
frequent in the rivers of Scotland, where it is called
the Parr. It is also common. in the Wye, and is
there known by the title of Skirling or Laspring.

SCHIEFFERMULLER'S TROUT.

Salmo Schieffermulleri. S. griseo-purpitrascens, maculis parvulis

lunatis fuscis, abdomine argenteo.
Purplish-grey Salmon, with small lunated dusky spots, and

silvery abdomen.
Salmo SchiefFermiilleri. S. maxilla infcriore longiort, maculis

nig r is. Lin. Gmel. Block, t. 103.

SHAPE like that of a Salmon, but somewhat longer
in proportion : head sharpish : lower jaw rather
longer than the upper : general length about eigh-
teen inches : colour silvery, with a slight cast of
purple on the upper parts, deepening into brown
on the back: sides obscurely marked by pretty
numerous, small, crescent-shaped spots : lateral
line strait, and blackish : scales middle-sized, and
so slightly fixed as to be easily rubbed off: fins
blueish ; ventral and anal of a yellowish tinge : tail
forked. Inhabits the Baltic sea, and some of the
Austrian lakes : as an article of food is in equal
esteem with the Salmon, and is sometimes called
by the name of the Silver Salmon.

GOEDENIAN TROUT.

Salmo Goedenii. S. griseo-argenteus, rubro-maculatus, capitc

parvo, pinna dorsali maculata.
Silvery-grey Trout, with red spots, small head, and spotted

dorsal fin.
Salmo Goedenii. S. capite pano, maculis ritbris ad truncum.

Lin. Gmd. Block, t. 102.

LENGTH about eighteen inches : habit that of a
trout, but with a longer and thinner body, and a
shorter and smaller head : colour silvery, with a
dusky or blueish tinge on the back, and the whole
body marked with pretty numerous and rather
small, round, red spots with pale or whitish edges :
scales small : fins blueish or dusky, except the vent-
ral and anal, which are tinged with yellow : dorsal
fin marked with small blackish spots : tail forked.
Native of the European seas : known in general by
the title of Silver Trout.

io3.

59'

SALVELIN TROUT.

Salmo Salvelinus. S. griseo-purpurascens , rubro maculatus,
abdomine pinnisque infcrioribus coccineu.

Purplish-grey Trout, with red spots, and lower fins and abdo-
men scarlet.

Salmo Salvelinus. S. pedalis, maxilla superiore longiore. Lin.
Syst. Nat. p. 511.

Salmo radio primo in pinna ventrali analique albo. Block, t. 99.

Red Charr ? Pcnn. Brit. Zoot.

LENGTH about twelve inches : shape resembling
that of the Salmon, but rather more slender : colour
of the back dark brownish blue ; of the sides silvery,
marked with pretty numerous, moderately distant,
small, round, red spots, which are sometimes sur-
rounded with a pale margin : belly red or orange-
colour : pectoral, ventral, and anal fins the same,
but with the two first rays white : dorsal and
caudal fin blueish brown : adipose fin small, pale,
and tipped with brown : scales rather small than
large : lateral line strait : tail moderately bifur-
cated : both jaws of equal length : irides silvery.
Native of mountainous lakes in several parts of
Germany, and of several of the rivers in Siberia,
and (if this species be the Red Charr of the Eng-
lish) in some of the lakes of our own country, as
those of Westmoreland, &c. As in others of this
genus, those which inhabit the clearest and coldest
waters are observed to be of the richest colours. It
is a fish of great delicacy of flavour, and much
esteemed as a food.

SALMARIN TROUT.

Salmo Sahnarinus. S. dorsofuho maculis luteis, cauda lifurcata.

Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 511. Art. syn. 24.

Trout with fulvous back spotted with yellow, and forked tail.
Salmarinus. Salv. aquat.p. 101. Jonst.pisc. p. 155.

So nearly allied to the S. Salvelinus that it seems
doubtful whether it ought to be considered as a
distinct species : found in cold rivers with a stony
channel or bottom in some parts of Italy.

ALPINE TROUT.

SaJmo Alpinus. S. grisco-argenteus, rubro nigroyue irroratus,
aperculis subauratis, dorso olivaceo, pinna dorsali mnculata.

Silvery-grey Trout, with red and black freckles, slightly
gilded gill-covers, olivaceous back, and spotted dorsal fin.

Salmo Alpinus. S. maculis non occllatis varius, pinna caudalt
truncata. Block, t. 1O4.

Gilt Charr ? Penn. Brit. Zool.

LENGTH about a foot : shape rather broader in
proportion than in the two preceding species :
colour silvery, with the back strongly tinged with
olive-green, and the sides pretty thickly freckled
with very minute bright red and blackish specks :
scales very small : head rather large : jaws of equal
length : gill-covers slightly tinged with gold-colour:
fins reddish, except the dorsal, which is pale olive-
brown, and marked between the rays with black
specks : adipose fin small, and tipped with red :
tail nearly even, or but very obscurely subfurcated.

CARP TROUT.

61

Native of the Alpine lakes and rivers, as well as
those of Germany, Sweden, Lapland, &c. It is
also found in the English lakes, and particularly in
that called Winandermere in Westmoreland. It
appears likewise to inhabit the lakes of Ireland,
though not particularized by the writers on the
natural history of that country. As an article of
food it is in equal esteem with the two preceding
species, with which it appears to have been con-
founded by several authors.

CARP TROUT.

Salmo Carpio. S. argenteus, albo-Tttacukitw, iridibus albis,

pinnis inferioribus nigricantibus.
Silvery Trout, with white spots, white irides, and dusky lower

fins.
Salmo Carpio. S. pede minor, dentium ordinibvs quinque palati.

Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 510. Art. gen. 13. syn. 24.

RESEMBLES the S. Alpinus, but is of considerably
smaller size; scarcely ever arriving at the length
of twelve inches: colour silvery, speckled with white
on the sides : back marked with black spots : scales
very small: pectoral, ventral, and caudal fins dusky,
with a slight reddish cast : palate furnished with
five rows of teeth : on each side the lower jaw eight
specks or points.

This species seems rather obscure : in the Gme-
liniari edition of the Systema Naturae no figure is
quoted. In some points it seems to agree with
the Carpio Lacus Benaci of Rondeletius and Wil-
lughby.

LEPECHIN'S TROUT.

Salmo Lepechini. S. dorsofusco, lateribus ocdlis panels nigris

rubro cinctis, venire luteo.
Trout with brown back, sides marked by small black spots

with red margins, and yellow abdomen.
Salmo Lepechini. S. maxilla wperiorc parum prominula, dorso

fusco, lateribus cxiguis ocellis nigris rubalinc circumdatis,

venire flammco. Lin. Gmel. Lcpcc/iin it. 3. p. 229. t. 14./*. 2.

ALLIED to the Charr, but larger : head large,
above greenish and compressed : eyes large, with
yellow irides : cheeks silvery : mandibles furnished
with strong, sharp teeth ; the lower with sixty :
dorsal fin dusky, varied with square black spots :
the others flame-colour. Native of the Russian and
Siberian rivers : flesh red, firm, and agreeable ;
described by Lepechin.

LAKE SALMON.

Salmo Lacustris. S. cauda sub-lrifurca, maxillis cequalibus, latc<>

ribus et capite maculis minutis nigris rubris. Gron. zoop/i. p.

362.
Salmon with subbifurcate tail, equal jaws, and sides and head

marked by small black and red spots.
Salmo lacustris. S. cauda bifurca, maculis solum nigris, sulco

longitudinali ventris. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 510.

NATIVE of the lakes and other fresh waters of
Switzerland, Norway, and Siberia : said to grow to
a very great size.

63

UMBLA SALMON.

Salmo Umbla. S. subolivaceiis, ventre argenteo, squamis minutis,

caudafurcata.
Subolivaceous Salmon, with silvery abdomen, very small scales,

and forked tail.
Salmo Umbla. S. lineis lateralibus sursum recurvis, cavda

bifurca. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 511.
S. immaculatus pinna ani radiis undecim. Block, t, 101.

GENERAL weight about a pound and a half, but
sometimes the fish grows to so large a size as to
weigh ten, or, according to Dr. Bloch, even fifteen
pounds : habit that of a Trout : colour silvery, with
the back tinged with olive-brown: scales very small:
eyes reddish : lateral line furnished with small pro-
cesses turning upwards : fins pale olive : tail forked :
inhabits the lakes of Switzerland and Italy : flesh
tender, turning red when boiled, and esteemed
more delicate even than that of the Trout.

SILVERY SALMON.

Salmo Argentinus. S. subiirescens, viita vtrinque lovgitudinali

argentea, caudafurcata, lobo inferiore longiore.
Greenish Salmon, with a longitudinal silvery stripe on each

side the body, and forked tail, with the lower lobe longer

than the upper.
Salmo taenia longitudinal! argentea, pinna ani longissima. Lin.

Gmel. Block, t. 382./. 1.

LENGTH about nine or ten inches : shape some-
what lengthened towards the tail : head small :

04 ARCTIC SALMON.

mouth small: colour greenish, with silvery abdo-
men, and a bright silvery band running from head
to tail at some distance above the lateral line : fins
pale or white : tail forked, with* the upper lobe
considerably shorter than the lower: at the base of
the tail a black, oval, longitudinal spot. Inhabits
the South- American rivers, and is esteemed a deli-
cate fish.

ARCTIC SALMON.

Salrao Arcticus. S. argenteus, punctis lineolisque fuscis per
quatuor ulrinque series dige.stis, cauda bifurca. Lin. Gmcl.
Pall.it. 3. p. 706.

Silvery Salmon, with four rows of black points and streaks on
each side the body, and forked tail.

SHAPE not unlike that of a Smelt : length three
or four inches : head but very slightly compressed :
front flat, with three longitudinal ridges : snout
rounded, rather obtuse : jaws of equal length : eyes
silvery: inhabits, in great plenty, the stony rivulets
running into the Arctic sea.

POOL SALMON.

Salmo Stagnalis. S. supra fu&eescens, infra albus, corpore sub-
tereti, maxilla superiore longiore. Lin. Gmel. p. 1374. 0.
Fabr. Faun. Groenl p 175.

Brownish Salmon, white beneath, with subcylindric body, and
upper jaw longer than the lower.

LENGTH about eighteen inches : shape lengthened,
tapering towards the tail : unspotted : head large and
oblong-ovate, with a sharpish snout : tongue long,
and rather obtuse : mandibles denticulated on the
edges : teeth large, curved, and very sharp : palate
armed with a triple series of close-set teeth : lower
fins greenish, with white base : pectoral rather
longer than the dorsal : tail subfurcate, large ; adi-
pose fin falcated, and rounded at the tip : rays of
the dorsal fin about two inches long : flesh white.
Inhabits the waters of the mountains of Greenland.

RIVULET SALMON.

Salmo Rivalis. S. elo?igatusfut>cusf centre rubcntc, capite obtuso.

Lin. Gmel. 0. Fabr. Faun. Groenl. p. IJ6.
Elongated brown Salmon, with reddish abdomen, and obtuse

head.

A SMALL species ; allied to the S. Carpio, but
smaller, hardly growing to the length of six inches :
body smooth, mucous, covered with very small
scales, and speckled with black : beneath reddish :
irides flame-coloured : feeds on insects. Inhabits
the smaller rivers and pools of Greenland, in which
it is very common.

v. v. i>. i. 5

STROEMIAN SALMON.

Salmo Stroemii. S. phmis dorsalibm et ventraffius nmrgine albi&

Lin. Gmel. Strom, Sondmor. 1 . p. 2Q2.
Salmon with the dorsal and ventral fins edged with white.

NATIVE of Denmark, inhabiting waters with a
muddy bottom.

SAURY SALMON.

Salmo Saurus. S. argenteo-cccntlescens, supra fusco transversitn

undulatus, rictu amplo, cauda bifurca.
Silvery-blueish Salmon transversely undulated on the upper

parts with brown, with wide mouth, and forked tail.
Salmo Saurus. S. radnspinnce ani decent. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 511*
Salmo radiis duodecim pinnae dorsi, undecimque pinnae ani.

Bloch. t. 3S4.f. 1.

SHAPE much elongated : length about twelve
inches : colour on the upper parts an elegant green-
ish blue, varied with pretty numerous, slightly un-
dulated, narrow, brown, transverse bands, reaching
as far as the lateral line, which is itself bounded
"beneath by a continued stripe of brown : abdomen
silvery, with a cast of flesh-colour : scales middle-
sized : mouth very wide, with large, sharp teeth :
eyes rather large, and between them a remarkable
depression on the top of the head : fins pale ; the
dorsal and pectoral crossed by a few brown bars :
tail forked. Native of the Mediterranean, Ameri-
can, and Red seas, but considered as a rare species
in the Mediterranean.

TUMBIL SALMON.

"Balmo Tumbil. S,flavescens,fasciis transversis semidecurrentibus

rubris , rictu amplo, caudafurcata.
Yellowish Salmon, with semidecurrent transverse red bands,

wide mouth, and forked tail.
Salmo Tumbil. S. ordinibus pluribus dentium tenuium. Block.

t. 430.

OF a rather lengthened shape : head taper :
mouth very wide, and armed with numerous sharp
teeth: lower jaw somewhat longer than the upper:
eyes orange-coloured, and seated near the tip of
the upper jaw : scales large : fins pale, tinged with
dusky blue at their tips : tail forked. Native of the
Indian seas, and called by the inhabitants of the
Malabar coast by the name of Tumbil: general
length about twelve inches.

FETID SALMON.

Salmo Foeteus. S. argenteo-cccrulesccns, capite truncato, maxilla
inferiore longiore, pinnis rubris, caudafurcata.

Silvery-blueish Salmon, with truncated head, lower jaws longer
than the upper, red fins, and forked tail.

Salmo foeteus. S. radiis dorsalibus analibusque duodecim. Lin:
Syst. Nat. p. 513.

Salmo capite squamato truncatoque. Block, t. 384. f. 2.

SHAPE lengthened : head rather large, somewhat
truncated in front, and scaly: mouth wide, with
the lower jaw longest : both furnished with sharp
teeth : eyes large, and near the tip of the upper

()g SMELT SALMON.

jaw: colour silvery, with a blueish tinge on the
back: fins reddish; the dorsal crossed by two or
three dusky bars. Native of the American seas,
and found about the coasts of Carolina : in no
great esteem as a food : length about ten or t\\ oh e
inches: said to have a strong, unpleasant smell.
The gill-membrane in this species has only four
rays.

SMELT SALMON.

Salrao Eperlanus. S. argenteus, subcceruleo-viresccns, capita
diaphano, radiis pinna am septendedm* Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 511.

Blueish- virescent silvery Salmon, with diaphanous head, and
seventeen rays in the anal fin.

Salmo maxilla inferiore longiore, pinna ani radiis septendecim.
Block, t. 28. f. 1.2.

Smelt. Will, ichth. 202. Penn. Brit. Zool.

OF this species there appears to be two varieties:
one not exceeding the length of three or four
inches ; the other arriving at the general length of
six, eight, or nine inches, and sometimes even to
twelve or thirteen. The larger variety seems to be
that so frequently seen about the British coasts,
and which is distinguished by Dr. Bloch under the
name of Eperlano-marinus, or Sea-Smelt. These
fishes are found about our coasts throughout the
whole year, and rarely go to any great distance
from the shores, except when they ascend rivers
either at or some time before the spawning-season.
It is observed by Mr. Pennant that in the river
Thames and in the Dee they are taken in great

69

abundance in November, December, and January ;
but in other rivers not till February, spawning in
the months of March and April.. The Smelt is a
very elegant fish : its form beautifully taper : the
skin thin, and the whole body, but particularly
the head, semitransparent : the colour of the back
is whitish, with a cast of green ; beneath which it
is varied with blue ; and then succeeds the beautiful
silvery gloss of the abdomen : the scales are small,
and easily rubbed off: the eyes are silvery: the
under jaw longer than the upper : in front of the
upper are four large teeth ; those in the sides of
the jaws being small : the tail is forked. This fish,
which, as before observed, is the largest kind, is an
inhabitant of the European seas : it has generally
a peculiar odour, which in those of British growth
is commonly compared to that of a cucumber, but
by some to that of a violet.

VAR.

Salmo Eperlanus (minor.)

Eperlanus. Rondel. Gesn. Aldr. Jonst. fyc,

Eperlan. Duharnel. tr. des peckes. 2. p. 280.

THIS, which in every thing except size and odour
appears to resemble the former, is said principally
to inhabit lakes and rivers, and is rarely taken,
except during the spawning-time; generally resid-
ing in the muddy bottom; but at that season it
enters rivers, and is taken in large shoals : it is a
very prolific fish, and is sold in vast quantities in

7Q GREENLAND SALMON.

the northern regions. According to Linnaeus, the
streets of Upsal, during the sale of this species,
are filled with an extremely unpleasant fetid smelL

GREENLAND SALMON.

Salmo Groenlandieus. S. olivacco-argcnteus tinea latcrali (marls)

mltosa, caudafurcatat
Olivaceous- silvery Salmon, with the lateral line (in the male)

villous, and forked tail.
Salmo Groenlandicus. S. cauda latiorc centre. Bloch. t. 381*

/.i.

Clupea Villosa. C, llnea latcrali prominula, Itirta. Lin. GmcL
p. 1409.. Mull, prodr. zool. dan. p. 5O.

LENGTH about seven inches, which it very rarely
exceeds : shape lengthened, contracting somewhat
suddenly towards the tail : dorsal fin placed in the
middle of the back : fins rather large for the size
of the fish : scales small : tail forked : colour pale
green, with a tinge of brown above : abdomen
and sides silvery: in the male fish, just above the
lateral line, is a rough fascia, beset with minute
pyramidal scales standing upright like the pile of a
shag : the use of this villous line is highly singular,
since it is affirmed that while the fish is swimming,
and even when thrown on shore, two, three, or
even as many as ten will adhere, as if glued to-
gether, by means of this pile, insomuch that if one
is taken, the rest are also taken up at the same
time*. This species swarms off the coasts of Green-

* Penn : Arct : Zool : intr, p. 127.

GREAT-TOOTHED SALMON. ?1

land, Iceland, and Newfoundland, and is said to be
one of the chief supports of the Greenlanders, and
a sort of desert at their most delicate repasts. The
inhabitants of Iceland are said to dry great quanti-
ties of it, in order to serve as a winter food for their
cattle, whose flesh is apt to acquire an oily flavour
in consequence. This fish lives at sea the greatest
part of the year, but in April, May, June, arid July,
comes in incredible shoals into the bays, where im-
mense multitudes are taken in nets, and afterwards
dried on the rocks. When fresh they are by some
said to have the smell of a cucumber, though others
affirm that the scent is highly unpleasant. They
feed on small crabs and other marine insects, as
well as on the smaller fuci and confervae, on which
they are also observed to deposit their ova.

GREAT-TOOTHED SALMON.

Salmo Dentex, S. argenteus, supra fusco albidoque lineatus.f

pinnis albidis, caudce dimidio wfcriore rubro. Lin. Gmel. p*

1384. Forsk. Arab, p, 66.
Silvery Salmon, lineated above with brown and whitish, with

white fins, and lower half of the tail red.
Cyprinus Dentex. C, pinna ani radiis viginti sex, ore dentibus

undique molaribus. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 53 1 .

MENTIONED by Forskal in his Fauna Arabica:
chiefly distinguished by its very large, subulate ex-
serted teeth, in which it differs from the rest of the
Salmon tribe : gill-membrane furnished with only
four rays. Inhabits the Nile, and is also found in
Siberia.

'72

GIBBOUS SALMON.

Salmo Gibbo9us. S. dorso comprcsso gibboso, pinna ani radii*

quinquaginta. Lin. Gmcl. p. 1385.
Salmon with gibbous compressed back, and fifty rays in tlie

anal fin.
Charax dorso admodum prominulo, pinna ani radiis quinqua-

ginta-quinque. Gronov. nms. 1. n. 53.

INHABITS Surinam : gill-membrane four-rayed.

MARKED SALMON.

Salmo Notatus. S. macula ulrinquc nigra versus opcrcula. Lin.

Gmel.p. 1385.
Salmon with a black spot on each side towards the gill-covers.

SHAPE oblong ; marked with a black spot above
the lateral line : gill-membrane four-rayed : allied
to the S. bimaculatus.

BIMACULATED SALMON.

Salmo Bimaculatus. S. griseo-argenteus, dorso subfusco, macula
utrinque nigra versus opercula et ad basin caudce furcate.

Silvery-grey Salmon, with a black spot on each side towards
the gill-covers and at the base of the forked tail.

Salmo bimaculatus. S. corpore compresso bimaculato, pinna ani
radiis trigmta-duobus. Lin. Sust. Nat. p. 513.

Salmo maculis duabus rotundis nigris. Block, t. 3S2./. 2.

LENGTH six inches : shape broad-ovate, tapering
towards the tail: head and mouth small: gill-

CYPRINOID SALMON. 73

membrane four-rayed : scales middle-sized : colour
yellowish, tinged with brown on the back : abdo-
men silvery : dorsal, pectoral, and ventral fins pale
yellow: adipose fin, anal, and caudal brown: on
each side the body, a little beyond the gills, an
oval black spot, and a second at the base of the
tail. Inhabits the rivers of Amboina, and those of
South- America, and is in considerable esteem as a
food.

UNSPOTTED SALMON.

Salmo Immaculatus. S. corpore immaculato, pinna ani radii*

duodecim. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 513.
Salmon with unspotted body, and twelve rays in the anal fin.

NATIVE of the American seas : gill-membrane
four-rayed.

CYPRINOID SALMON.

Salmo Cyprinoides. S. niveus, pinnae dorsalis radiis anticif
elofigato-setaccis. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 514.

Snow-white Salmon, with the first rays of the dorsal fin setace-
ous and elongated.

HABIT of the Cyprinus rutilus, but of a snow-
white colour : head flattened above : eyes pro-
tuberant : tail forked : gill-membrane four-rayed.

74

NILOTIC SALMON.

Salmo Niloticus. S. pinnis omnibus flavescentibus, .corpore totv

albo. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 514.
White Salmon, with all the fins yellowish.

INHABITS the Nile: tail forked: gill-membrane
four-rayed.

EGYPTIAN SALMON.

Salmo ,/Egyptius. S. dorso virescentc, dcntibus maxillae. i«-

ferioris majoribus. Lin. Gmel. Forsk. Arab.
Salmon with greenish back, and die teeth of the lower jaw
larger than the rest.

NATIVE of Egypt, where it is called Nefosch : it
is mentioned by Hasselquist under the name of S.
Niloticus : the tail is scaly at the base : gill-mem-
brane four-rayed.

DUSTY SALMON.

Salmo Pulverulentus, S. pinnis subpukerulentis, linca lateraU

descendente. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 514.
Salmon with the fins of a dusty aspect, and descending lateral

line.

NATIVE of America: gill-membrane four-rayed.

FLAT-NOSED SALMON.

Salmo Anastomus. S. ore simo. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 514.

Salmon with flattened nose.

Anastomus. Gronov. mus. 2. n. 165. t. 7-

NATIVE of the South- American and Indian seas :
gill-membrane four-rayed .

RHOMBIC SALMON.

Salmo Rhombeus. S. rufesccns, abdomine argenteo serrato,

cauda nigro marginata,
Rufescent Salmon, with silvery serrated abdomen, and tail

edged with black,
Salmo rhombeus. S. abdomine serrato, pinna anali caudaliquc

basi margineqm nigris. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 514.
£almo abdomine serrato. Block, t. 383.

HABIT broad, not unlike that of the Chaetodons :
colour dusky red above, and marked with a few
small, scattered dusky spots; sides and abdomen
silvery : mouth moderate : teeth strong, especially
those in the lower jaw : gill-membrane four-rayed :
abdomen strongly carinated, and serrated by a
series of aculeated processes : scales small : fins
yellowish at the base, and dusky at their tips : tail
lunated, and terminated by a black border : im-
mediately before the dorsal fin stands a small but
strong trifid spine, one point directed forwards,
and the other two backwards ; and before the anal
fin, which is scaly at the base, is a smaller spine of
nearly similar structure : native of the rivers of

76 SHARP-BELLIED SALMON.

Surinam, where it is said to arrive at a very con-
siderable size, and to be of a very voracious nature,
sometimes attacking ducks, which happen to be
swimming on the river : it is much esteemed as a
food, the flesh being white, firm, and delicate.

SHARP-BELLIED SALMON.

Salmo Gasteropelecus. S. argcnteus, compressus, minimus, abdo*
mine prominente.

Silvery, compressed, very small Salmon, with projecting abdo-
men.

Salmo Gasteropelecus. S. piiviis ventralibus $ adiposa minirnis.
Lin. Syst. Nat. Gmel. p. 1384.

Clupea Sterniclus. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 524.

Gasteropelecus Sternicla. Block, t. 97-

AN extremely small species ; of a very broad,
compressed form, with the abdomen sharply cari-
nated beneath: colour silvery: back tinged with
pale blue : fins grey : pectoral ones very long, and
falcated : tail forked : inhabits the waters of India,
Amboina, and South- America : found also in Caro-
lina : said to swim very swiftly. This little fish is
made a distinct genus by Gronovius, under the
title of Gasteropelecus, In the gill-membrane are
only four rays.

jo 4-

s.

77

FALCATED SALMON.

{Salmo Falcatus. S. argenteo-ccerulescens, dorso pimiisque sub-
fuscis, macula iitrinque nigra ad opercida fy basin caudce.

Silvery-blueish Salmon, with brownish back and fins, and a
black spot on each side near the gill-covers and at the base
of the tail.

Salmo falcatus. -S. bimuculatus, radiis viginti^sex in pinna ani
falcata. Block, t. 365.

LENGTH twelve or fourteen inches : shape like
that of a common Salmon, but with a distant re-
semblance to a Pike : mouth wide : laminae of the
upper jaw serrated on the edge : colour of the
whole fish silvery, with a blueish tinge on the sides,
deepening into brown on the back : scales middle-
sized : beyond the gill-covers, immediately above
the lateral line, a round black spot, and a similar one
at the base of the tail, which is forked : pectoral
fins lanceolate : first dorsal situated low on the
back : anal falcated, and rather wide : ventral rather
small. Native of Surinam.

FASCIATED SALMON.

Salmo Fasciatus. S. jlamis, fusco transversim fasciatus, cauda

fur cat a.
Yellowish Salmon, with transverse brown bands, and forked

tail.
Salmo fasciatus. S. corporefasciato. Block, t. 3/9.

LENGTH about a foot : colour pale yellow, deepen-
ing on the back into a dull brownish orange-colour:

78 FRIDERICIAN SALMON.

whole body crossed by several transverse dusky or
blackish bands, some of which are divided at the
back and abdomen : scales large : dorsal, anal,
and caudal fins dusky : pectoral and ventral pale :
dorsal fin and tail each obscurely crossed by a
blackish band : tail forked : native of Surinam.

FRIDERICIAN SALMON.

Salmo Friderici. S.Jlavits, dorso rubro, corpore vtrinque maculis

tribus nig r is, cavdafurcata.
Yellow Salmon, with red back, and body marked on each side

with three black spots.
Salmo Friderici. S. trimaculatvs, last pinnoe ani squamata.

Block, t. 378.

AN elegant species : length twelve inches : colour
silvery yellow, deepening into dull crimson on the
top of the head and back : snout obtuse : scales
large: on each side the body three rather large
black spots, the first of which is situated near the
middle, the second at some distance beyond, and
the third at the base of the tail, which is forked :
fins pale. Native of Surinam. TJiis species takes
its specific name from Mr. Friderici, governor of
Surinam, by whom it was communicated to Dr.
Bloch : it is much esteemed for the table.

SINGLE-SPOTTED SALMON.

Salmo Unimaculatus. S. argenteo-ccendescens, macula utrinque

nigra } cauda elongatafurcata.
Silvery-blueish Salmon, with a black spot on each side the

body, and lengthened forked tail.
Salmo unimaculatus. S. maxilla superiore svblongiore, macula

nigra ad Hneam later alem. Block, t. 381. f. 3.
Curimata Brasiliensibus. Marcgr. Pise. Will. $c.

LENGTH about eighteen inches : colour silvery,
with an olive or dusky tinge on the back: fins pale:
tail rather long, and very deeply forked : scales
rather large than small : on each side the middle of
the body a moderately large round black spot :
snout obtuse : upper jaw rather longer than the
lower. Native of the lakes and other fresh waters
of South- America : considered as a very delicate
fish by the inhabitants of Brasil, Surinam, &c.

BLACK-TAILED SALMON.

Salmo Melanurus. S. argenteo-ccerulescens, squamis magnis>

pinnisjlavis, caitda furcata media nigra.
Silvery-blueish Salmon, with large scales, yellow fins, and

forked tail black in the middle.
Salmo melanurus. S. radiis triginta in pinna annali, macutaqnc

nigra in caudali. Block. t.381.f.2.

LENGTH of the specimen described by Bloch
about four inches : colour silvery, with a blueish
cast ; the back brown : snout obtuse, with the
lower jaw rather longer than the upper : scales

80 MIGRATORY SALMON.

large: fins white: tail forked, and marked by a
longitudinal black patch in the middle : native of
the South-American seas.

FULVOUS SALMON.

Salmo Fulvus. S.fulrn?;, dorso pinnisqite fuscis, cauda furcata.
Fulvous Salmon, with brown back and fins, and forked tail.
Salmo Ode. S. pinnis nigro-futcis. Block, t. 386,

HABIT like that of a Pike : length from two to
three feet : colour orange or fulvous, deepening
into brown on the back and fins : dorsal fin spotted
with black : lower fins darker than the upper : tail
forked : scales large : lateral line nearer the belly
than the back : inhabits the African seas, and is a
very predacious fish: the flesh is of a reddish colour,
and much esteemed by the inhabitants of Guinea.

With inconspicuous teeth.

MIGRATORY SALMON.

Salmo Migratorius. S. griseo-argentcus, maxillis subccquaHbus,

pinna dor si radiis duodccim.
Silvery-grey Salmon, with nearly equal jaws,, and twelve rays

in the dorsal fin.
Salmo migratorius. S. maxillis subcequalibus , pinna dorsi radiis

duodecim. Lin. Gmel. Georg. it. p. 182.

LENGTH from one to two feet : body rather com-
pressed, silvery, grey above: head compressed:
irides orange: mouth toothless: snout subconic :

AUTUMNAL SALMON. 81

Upper lip grey : lower reddish-white : inhabits Lake
Baikal in Siberia, out of which it migrates at the
spawning season up the rivers : flesh white : egg&
yellow : in considerable esteem as a food.

AUTUMNAL SALMON.

$almo Autumnalis. S. argejiteus, maxilla inferiore to?igioret

radiis pinnae dorsi undecim.
Silvery Salmon,, with the lower jaw longer than the upper, and

eleven rays in the dorsal fin.
Salmo autumnalis. S. maxilla inferiore longiore, radiis pinnoa

dorsi urtdccim. Lin. GmeL Pall. it. 3. p. 705.

LENGTH near a foot and a half: body plump, but
compressed, with the back very slightly angulated :
scales large and silvery : irides pale gold-colour ;
mouth toothless : tail forked : inhabits the frozen,
sea, out of which it ascends the rivers of Patzora
and Jenesei, and, by the Angara, into the Lake
Baikal; returning in autumn in immense multi-
tudes : dies very soon after being taken out of the
water.

V. v. p. i.

82

WARTMANN'S SALMON.

Salmo Wartmanni. S. ccrrukiis, abdominc carwo, pinnisfusco-

jlaventibm, maxilla supcriore truncata.
Blue Salmon, with flesh-coloured abdomen, yellowish-brown

fins, and truncated upper jaw.
Salmo Wartmanni. S. cceruleus, maxilla supcriore truncata.

Lin. GmeL Block, t. 105.

Albula nobilis, Albula caerulea, &c. Gcsn. Ahlr. Will. $c.
Guiniad? Perm. Brit. ZooL

GENERAL length from twelve to eighteen inches :
shape like that of a Salmon, but with smaller and
sharper head : colour blue, with a dusky tinge on
the back : abdomen silvery : fins pale olive : scales
large : lateral line nearly strait, and pretty strongly
marked: tail forked, or rather lunated. Inhabits
the Alpine lakes of Switzerland, more especially
lake Constance, where it is extremely plentiful, and
constitutes a. very considerable article of commerce
among the cantons of Switzerland, as well as other
parts of Europe, where it is sent prepared in differ-
ent ways, and is in considerable esteem as an article
of food. Dr. Bloch informs us that this species
grows to the length of about two inches in the first
year ; from three to four in the second ; from five
to seven in the third ; from eight to nine in the
fourth, to thirteen in the sixth ; and from fourteen
to seventeen in the seventh. It generally spawns
in the month of December, at which time it seeks
out shallows, and afterwards returns into deep
water.

105

GRAYLING SALMON.

Salmo Thymallus. S. griseus, lineis longitudinalibus fusco*
ccerukis, pinna dorsali violaccafusco-fasciata.

Grey Salmon, with longitudinal dusky blue lines, and violet-
coloured dorsal fin barred with brown.

Salmo Thymallus. S. maxilla superiore longiore, pinna dorsi
radiis liginti-tribns. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 512.

Salmo pinnae dorsi radiis viginti-tribus. Block, t. 24.

Grayling. Pew. Brit. Zool. Will. icth. Ray. %c>

THIS elegant species grows to the length of
about eighteen inches, and is an inhabitant of the
clearer and colder kind of rivers in many parts of
Europe and Asia ; particularly such as flow through
mountainous countries. In England it is found in
the rivers of Derbyshire ; in some of those of the
North ; in the Tame near Ludlow ; in the Lug and
other streams near Leominster, and in the river
near Christchurch in Hampshire*. In Lapland it
is said to be very common, where the natives make
use of its intestines instead of rennet, in preparing
the cheese which they make from the milk of the
Rein-Deer.

The shape of the Grayling resembles that of the
Trout, but is rather more slender : its colour is a
beautiful silvery grey, with numerous longitudinal
deeper stripes, disposed according to the rows of
scales, which are of a moderately large size : the
, lower fins, and tail, are of a brownish or rufous

* Brit, Zooi,

84 GRAYLING SALMON.

cast : the dorsal fin, which is deeper and broader
than in the rest of the genus, is of a pale violet-
colour, crossed by several dusky bars : the adipose
fin is very small, and the tail forked. The largest
English Grayling recorded by Mr. Pennant was
taken at Ludlow, arid measured above half a yard
in length ; its weight being four pounds eight
ounces : the general size of the British specimens
being far short of this measure.

The Grayling, says Mr. Pennant, is a voracious
fish, rising freely to the fly, and will very eagerly
take a bait : it is a very swift swimmer, disappear-
ing like the transient passage of a shadow, from
whence perhaps is derived its ancient name of
Umbra. It is said to be a fish of very quick
growth, feeding on water insects, the smaller kind
of testacea, and the roe of other fishes, as well as
on the smaller fishes themselves : its stomach is so
strong as to feel almost cartilaginous. It spawns in
April and May, the full-grown ova being nearly of
the size of peas. The Grayling is much esteemed for
the delicacy of its flesh, which is white, firm, and of
a fine flavour, and is considered as in the highest
season in the depth of winter.

GWINIAD SALMON.

Salmo Lavaretus. S. ccerukscens, squamis latis, rostro nasiformi.
Blueisji Salmon, with broad scales, and nose -like snout.
Salmo Lavaretus. S. maxilla superiore longiore, radiis pinnce

dorsi quatuordecim. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 512.
Salmo Lavaretus. The Gwiniad. Block, t. 25.

THIS species is an inhabitant of the lakes of the
Alpine parts of Europe. It is found in those of
Switzerland, Savoy, and Italy ; in Norway, Sweden,
and Lapland. In our own island it occurs in Cum-
berland, and in some parts of Wales. It is also
found in the lakes of Ireland. According to Mr.
Pennant it is a gregarious fish., approaching the
shores in vast multitudes, in spring and summer.
A fisherman at Hulse-Water is said to have taken
between seven and eight thousand at one draught.
In the shape of its body it resembles a Trout, but
is thicker in proportion : the head is small, and
very taper in front, the upper lip being produced
very considerably beyond the lower, in form of a
blackish fleshy snout, so that the mouth, which is
small, appears placed beneath : the general colour
of the fish is a silvery grey, with a dusky tinge on
the upper parts, and the base of each scale marked
by a dusky speck, particularly along the lateral
line ; the fins are pale brown, the adipose fin small
and sharp, the tail forked, the scales large and of
a somewhat dilated form, and the lateral line strait.
This fish, according to Dr. Bloch, is not only found
in rivers, but in the northern sea and the Baltic ;

8(5 BROAD GWINIAD.

entering the rivers at the time of spawning, and forc-
ing its way up the most violent streams, generally
advancing in two ranges, and forming in front an
acute angle, the whole being conducted by a single
fish. The largest specimen mentioned by Mr.
Pennant weighed between three and four pounds,
its general weight being much less, and its length
from ten to twelve inches. I must not omit to ob-
serve that it may be doubted whether the Gwlniad
of Mr. Pennant be not rather the S. Wartmamii of
Bloch than the present species.

BROAD GWINIAD.

Salmo Rostratus. S. fusco-cceruh'sccm , Hneis tongitudinaKbus

subfusds, squamis rotundafis, rustro nasiformi.
Dusky-blueish Salmon, with longitudinal dusky streaks, rounded

scales, and nose-like snout.
Salmo Thymallus latus. Block, t. 2(5.
Salmo Lavaretus /3. Lin. Gmel.

GREATLY allied to the preceding in general ap-
pearance, so as readily to pass for a variety at
most, but is of a larger size, and a somewhat
broader shape : the scales are perfectly rounded,
without the slight sinking in which takes place on
the middle of those of the former species : the mouth
is larger and more transverse; and the sides of the
body are marked by grey or blueish stripes, which
are not visible on the preceding species. The
weight of the Broad Gwiniad is from four pounds
to four and a half. It is found in the Baltic, and
in the rivers of some parts of Germany, Sweden, &c.

87

SNOUTED SALMON.

Salmo Nasus. S. latiusculus, capite crasso, maxilla superiors
longiore, squamis magnis, pinna dorsali radiis duodecim,

Broadish Salmon,, with thick head, upper jaw longer than the
lower, large scales, and twelve-rayed dorsal fin.

Salmo Nasus. S. maxilla super iore longiore, radiis pinnae dorsi
duodecim 3 capite crasso. Lin. Gmel. Pall. it. 3. p. 705.

LENGTH about a foot and a half: habit similar
to that of S. Lavaretus, the upper mandible ex-
tending beyond the lower, and being gibbous or
convex as far as the eyes : scales large : tail forked*
Inhabits the channel of the river Oby : observed
by Dr. Pallas.

MARINA SALMON.

Salmo Maraena. S. argentco'Ccerulescens, squamis magnis, pinn^s

fuscis, maxilla superiore iruncata.
Silvery-blueish Salmon, with large scales, brown fins, and

truncated upper jaw.
Salmo Maraena. S. maxilla superiore truncata. Lin. Gmci.

Block, t. 27.

LENGTH two feet or more: habit that of a Trout :
head obtuse, eyes rather large : pupil acutangular
on the fore-part : irides silvery : mouth small and
without apparent teeth : upper jaw longer than the,
lower, with two small punctures at the edge : upper
lip thick, and as if doubled : colour of the fish bright
silvery-grey, with a dusky or blueish tinge on the
back : fins blueish : tail forked : scales large and

88 MARJENULA SALMON*

but slightly fixed : lateral line marked with white
specks, and somewhat bent towards the head : na-
tive of the Austrian and Helvetian lakes, especially
such as have a sandy bottom : a prolific species,
and in considerable esteem as a food.

MAR^NULA SALMON.

Salmo Maraenula. S. argenteo-cxrukscens, subclongatus, maxilla
inferiore hngiore, pinna dorsi radiis quafuordcchn.

Silveiy-blueish Salmon, with subelongated body, lower jaw
longer than the upper, and fourteen rays in the dorsal fin.

Salmo Albula. Lin. Syst. Nat.

Salmo Maraenula. Lin. Gmel. Block, t. 28. /. 3.

GENERAL length about six inches : shape like
that of a Trout, but more slender in proportion :
colour silvery white, with a tinge of blue on the
back : head somewhat taper : lower jaw longer
than the upper : scales large : fins pale yellow :
tail forked, and blueish towards the tip : lateral line
nearly strait : the whole fish has a delicate appear-
ance, and the head, like that of the Smelt, exhibits
a degree of transparency. Native of several of the
European lakes, viz. those of Germany, Sweden,
Denmark, &c. much esteemed for the table, being
a very delicate fisha and a very prolific species.

PELED SALMON.

Salmo Peled. S. edentulus, radiis pinnce dorsalis decem. Lin.

Gmel. Lcpechin.it. 3. p. 226.
Toothless Salmon, with ten-rayed dorsal fin.

LENGTH eighteen inches : body thick : head
conic, spotted with black : snout obtuse ; lower
jaw rather longer than the upper : back blueish :
sides and abdomen white : very nearly allied to
the S. Albula of LinnaBus, and perhaps only a
variety. Inhabits rivers in the north of Russia:
described by Lepechin.

PIDSCHAN SALMON.

Salmo Pidschan. S» maxilla superiors longiore, radiis pinnae
dorsi gibbi tredecim. Lin. Gmel. Pall. it. 3. p. 705.

Salmon with the upper jaw longer than the lower, and thirteen-
rayed gibbous dorsal fin.

MUDSCttAN SALMON.

Salmo corpore latiore, pinnae ani radiis quatuordecim. Lin.

Gmel. Pall. it. 3. p. /05.
Salmon with broadish body, and fourteen rays in the anal fin.

BOTH the above are so much allied to the S. Lava-
retus as to leave it doubtful whether they may not
be varieties of that species : the length of each of
the above fishes is about two spans : their general

go MULLER'S SALMON.

appearance that of the Lavaretus,but rather broader
in proportion: mentioned by Dr. Pallas as inhabit-
ing the river Oby.

SCHOKUK SALMON.

Salmo Schokur, S. maxilla superiore tongiore, capite pare*,
radiis pinnae dorsi anterius angulati dvodecim. Lin. GmcL
p. 1378.

Salmon with small head, upper jaw longest, and twelve-rayed
dorsal fin angular in front.

THIS is about two feet in length , and so much
allied to the Lavaretus as scarce to differ materially,
except in being rather larger and broader, with a
more obtuse snout, which is obscurely bitubercu-
lated : observed by Dr. Pallas in the river Oby.

MULLER'S SALMON.

Salmo Mullen. S. maxillis cdentulis, infenore longiore, tentrx
punctato. Lin.Gmel. Mull, prodr. zool Dan. p. 4Q.

Toothless Salmon, with lower jaw longest, and punctated abdo-
men.

NATIVE regions unknown.

VIMBA SALMON.

Salmo Vimba. S. pinna adiposa subserrata. Lin. Gmel. Lin.

Faun. Suec. p. 35] .
Salmon with subscripted dorsal fin.

INHABITS the rivers of Sweden : dorsal fin fur-
nished with twelve, pectoral with sixteen, ventral
with ten, anal with fourteen rays : mentioned bj
Linnaeus in the Fauna Suecica.

SHARP-SNOUTED SALMON.

Salmo Oxyrhinchus. -S. maxilla superior e longiore conica. JJn.

Gmel.p. 1383.
Salmon with the upper jaw longest and conical.

FOUND in the Atlantic ocean : in the dorsal fin
are thirteen or fourteen rays ; in the pectoral from
thirteen to seventeen ; in the ventral from ten to
twelve, and in the anal fourteen or fifteen.

BRIGHT SALMON.

Salmo Leucicthys. S. maxilla superior e latissima Integra recta
breviore, inferiore ascendentey apice tuberculosa. Lin. Gmel.
Guldenstadt. nov. comm. Pctrop. 16. p. 351.

Salmon with very broad strait upper jaw, shorter than the
lower, which is ascendent, and tuberculated at the tip.

A RATHER large species ; growing to the length
of three feet or more : shape oblong ; body rather

Q2 TOOTHLESS SALMON.

compressed, and of a bright silvery grey, spotted
with black ; of a dusky hue above, and covered with
middle-sized scales : eyes large : snout extremely
obtuse : mouth toothless, very wide, and square :
tongue flat and triangular : dorsal fin pale brown :
pectoral acuminated and white : ventral rounded,
white, spotted with brown on the fore-part : anal
reddish, spotted with brown: tail semilunar. In-
habits the Caspian sea : described by Guldenstadt.

TOOTHLESS SALMON.

Salmo Edentulus. S. argenteo-olivaccus, capite compressojlat:o,

pin/us lanceolatis rubriSj caudafurcata.
Silvery-olive Salmon, with compressed yellow head, lanceolate

red fins, and forked tail.
Salmo edentulus. S. oculis magnis, ore edentulo. Bloch. t. 38O.

LENGTH twelve inches : shape like that of a
Carp : scales large : colour silvery, with a slight
greenish tinge : back olive-brown : head yellowish,
sinking in above the eyes, which are very large :
snout obtuse : mouth small, and toothless : lateral-
line strait : fins of a sharp, subfalcated form, and of
an orange-colour : tail large and forked. Native of
Surinam, where it is said to be highly esteemed fo*
the table.

/06

ACANTHONOTUS. ACANTHONOTUS.

Generic Character.

Corpus elongatum, sine
pinna dorsali.

Body elongated, without
dorsal fin.

Aculei plures dorsales & ab- I Spines several, on the hack
domiriales. I and abdomen.

SNOUTED ACANTHONOTUS.

Acanthonotus Nasus. A. griseus, dorso transtersim fusco-

fasdato.
Grey Acanthonotus^ with the back transversely barred with

brown.
Acanthonotus Nasus. A. rostro nasiformi. Block. 12. p. 113.

t. 431.

JL HIS fish grows to a considerable size, the
length of the specimen described by Dr. Bloch
being two feet and a half: the head is large, the
upper part of the snout extending forwards in such
a manner as to make the mouth appear as if situat-
ed beneath: the teeth are small, forming a row
along each jaw : the eyes large, and the nostrils
conspicuous : the body, which is of moderate width
for about a third of its length, gradually decreases
or tapers towards the extremity : both head and
body are covered with small scales, and are of a
blueish tinge, with a silvery cast on the abdomen,

Q4 SNOUTED ACANTHONOTUS.

the back being barred throughout the greatest part
of its length by several broad, semidecurrent, brown
fasciae : the pectoral fins are brown, and of mode-
rate size : the ventral rather small, and of similar
colour: the lateral line is strait, and situated nearer
to the back than to the abdomen : along the lower
part of the back are disposed ten strong but short
spines, and beneath the abdomen are about twelve
or thirteen others, commencing almost immediately
beyond the vent : these are followed by the anal
fin, which is shallow, and continued into the tail,
which is very small. This fish is a native of the
East Indies.

FI STUL ART A. FI STUL ARI A.

Generic Character.

Rostrum cylindricnm, apice

maxillosum.
Corpus el o n gat u m .
Membr : branch : radiis

.septem.

Snout cylindric : mouth ter-
minal.

Body lengthened.
Gill-membrane seven-rayed,

SLENDER FISTULARIA.

Fistularia Tabacaria. F. cauda bifida setifera. Lin. Syst. Nat.

p. 515.
Fistularia with bifid tail, furnished with a long^bristle-shaped

process.

Petimbuaba. Marcgr. Bras. p. 148. Piso. Raj. ^c.
The Tobacco-Pipe Fish. Will, ichth. p. 233.
Fistularia Tabacaria. Block, t. 387.

JL HIS highly singular fish seems to have been,
first described by Marcgrave in his Natural History
of Brasil, under the name of Petimbuaba. He in-
forms us that it grows to the length of three or four
feet, and is of. a shape resembling that of an Eel,
with the mouth toothless and pointed, and the
upper lip longer than the lower; the head about
nine inches long, from the eyes to the tip of the
mouth ; the eyes are large and ovate, with a bright-
^blue pupil and silvery iris, marked on the fore and
hind part by a red spot; the skin smooth, like that

gQ SLENDER FISTULARIA.

of an eel, and of a liver-colour, marked both above
and on each side by a row of blue spots, with
greenish ones intermixed. Marcgrave adds that it
is an edible fish, though of no particular delicacy.
Dr. Bloch observes that both the jaws are in reality
beset with minute teeth ; that the tongue is smooth
and loose ; the body flattened in front but rounded
on the back, the lateral line strait, the abdomen
silvery, and the fins of a pale red. The appearance
of the tail is highly singular, being pretty deeply
forked, as in the generality of fishes, while from the
middle of the furcature springs a very long and
thickish bristle or process, of a substance resembling
that of whalebone, and gradually tapering to a fine
point. A variety has been observed by Dr. Bloch,
in which this part was double, and the snout ser-
rated on each side. This variety, or perhaps sexual
difference, appears from the observations of Com-
merson, detailed by Cepede, to be of a brown colour
above, and silvery beneath, but without the blue
spots so remarkable on the smooth-snouted kind.
The Count de Cepede informs us also that the
spine of this fish is of a very peculiar structure; the
first vertebra being of immoderate length, the three
next much shorter, and the rest gradually decreas-
ing as they approach the tail : he adds that there
are no visible ribs.

Dr. Bloch's highly accurate and beautiful figure
of this curious fish is repeated in the present work,
together with a representation of the remarkable
variety above-mentioned, in which the tail-process
is double and the snout serrated.

CHINESE FISTULARIA. 97

This species is said to live chiefly on the smaller
fishes, sea-insects, and worms, which the structure
of its snout enables it readily to obtain, by intro-
ducing that part into the cavities of rocks, under"
stones, &c. where those animals are usually found.

CHINESE FISTULARIA.

Fistularia Chinensis. F. squamosa rufescens, nigro maculata,

cauda rotundata mutica.
Scaly rufescent Fistularia., with black spots and simple rounded

tail.
Fistularia Chinensis. F. cauda rotundata mutica. Lin. Sy$t.

Nat. p. 515.
Fistularia Chinensis. F. cdentata, cauda rotundata. Block, f.

388.
The Chinese Trumpet-Fish.

LENGTH from three to four feet : general shape
like that of an eel, but the body thicker in propor-
tion than in the preceding species : head lengthen-
ed into a strong cartilaginous, or rather bony and
laterally-compressed, tubular snout, much broader
than in the former species : mouth small : eyes
rather large : scales of moderate size, strong, and
much resembling in their structure those of the
genera of Perca and Ch&todon : from the middle of
the back to the dorsal fin run severed strong, short,
and rather distant spines : dorsal and anal fin of
similar shape, and placed opposite each other, pretty
near the tail, which is short, rounded, and marked
by a pair of black stripes : pectoral fins rounded :

v. v. P. i. 7

QQ PARADOXICAL FISTULARIA.

ventral small, and placed considerably beyond the
middle of the body : general colour pale reddish-
brown, with several deep or blackish spots on vari-
ous parts of the body, and three or four pale or
whitish longitudinal stripes on each side, from the
gills to the tail : fins pale yellow. Native of the
Indian seas, preying on worms, sea-insects, &c.
Though observed only in the tropical seas, yet its
fossil impressions have been found under the vol-
canic strata of mount Bolca in the neighbourhood
of Verona*.

PARADOXICAL FISTULARIA.

Fistularia Paradoxa. F. cinereo-ftavescens, fusco variatrt, p'wnis

pcctoralibus ventralibusque magma, cauda lanceoluta.
Yellowish ash-coloured Fistularia, with brown variegations,

large pectoral and ventral fins, and lanceolate tail.
Fistularia paradoxa. F. lineis argute prominulis reticulata, cauda

lameolata. Lin. Gmel. 1388. Pall. spic. zool. 8. p. 32. t.

4./. 6.

A SMALL species, described by Seba, and, more
accurately, by Dr. Pallas. Length from two to
four inches : body angular, and beset at the inter-
stices of the lines with small spines : head small :
eyes large, and situated at the base of the snout,
which much resembles that of a Syngnathus, and is
long, slightly descending, strait, horny, compressed,
sharp above, and bicarinated beneath : it is armed
on each side, near the base, by a small, conic spine:

* Gazola's Ichthiologie des environs de Verone, pi 5./. 1.

PARADOXICAL FISTULARIA. QQ

mouth small : nape trimuricated : gill-openings very
shallow and small, and radiated by a few promi-
nent lines : first dorsal fin long, and reclining :
pectoral fins very broad : ventral very large, with
deeply divided rays, and connected longitudinally
by a lax saccular membrane : general colour cinere-
ous, or yellowish-white, with obscure brown undula*
tions, which are darker or blackish on the first dorsal
fin and tail. Native of the Indian seas, and ap-
pears in some degree allied to the Syngnathi or Sea-
Needles, among the Cartilaginous Fishes.

ESOX. PIKE.

Generic Character.

Caput supra planiusculum :

os amplum.
Denies acuti, in maxillis,

palato, lingua.
Corpus elongating! : pinna^

dorsal is analisque (pleris-

que) prope caudam, op-

positac.

Head somewhat flattened
above : mouth wide.

Teeth sharp, in the jaws, pa-
late, and tongue.

Body lengthened : dorsal and
anal fin (in most species)
placed near the tail, and
opposite each other.

COMMON PIKE.

Esox Lucius. E. griseo-olii'acciis subfltrco maculatus, rostn
depresso subceqiiali.

Greyish-olive Pike, with yellowish spots, and depressed sub-
equal jaws.

Esox Lucius. E. rostro depresso subaquali. Lin. Syst. Nat. p.
516.

Lucius. Rondel. Gesn. fyc. fyc.

Esox Lucius. E. capite compresso, rictu amplo. Block, t. 32.

Pike. Penn. Brit. Zool. Pike or Pickerel. Witt, ichth. p. 23&

JL O the general history of this fish perhaps little
can be added to what Mr. Pennant has already
detailed in the third volume of the British Zoology.
It is, says that agreeable writer, a native of most
of the lakes and smaller rivers in Europe, but the
largest are those of Lapland, which, according to

t=f

COMMON PIKE. 101

Schaeffer, are sometimes eight feet in length : they
are taken there in great abundance, dried, and ex-
ported for sale. The largest specimen of English
growth is said by Mr. Pennant to have weighed
thirty-five pounds. The head of the Pike is very
flat ; the upper jaw broad, and shorter than the
lower, which turns up a little at the end, and is
marked with minute punctures : the teeth are very
sharp, disposed only in front of the upper jaw, but
in both sides of the lower, as well as in the roof of
the mouth, and often on the tongue : the number,
according to Bloch, is not less than seven hundred,
without reckoning the farthest of all or those
nearest the throat : it is also to be observed that
those which are situated on the jaws are alternately
fixed and moveable : the gape is very wide, and
the eyes small : the dorsal fin is placed very low
on the back, and consists of twenty-one rays ; the
pectoral of fifteen ; the ventral of eleven, and the
anal of eighteen : the tail is slightly forked, or
rather lunated. The usual colour of this fish is a
pale olive-grey, deepest on the back, and marked
on the sides by several yellowish spots or patches:
the abdomen is white, slightly spotted with black.
When in its highest perfection however the colours
are frequently more brilliant ; the sides being of
a bright olive, with yellow spots, the back dark
green, and the belly silvery. Dr. Bloch assures
us that in Holland the Pike is sometimes found of
an orange-colour, marked with black spots: the
scales are rather small, hard, and of an oblong
shape.

102 COMMON PIKE.

The voracity of the Pike is commemorated by all
ichthyological authors. Mr. Pennant observes that
he himself has known one that was choaked in at-
tempting to swallow one of its own species which
proved too large a morsel. It will also devour
water-rats, and young ducks which happen to be
swimming near it. In a manuscript note to a copy
of Plott's History of Staffordshire, and which Mr.
Pennant afterwards found was inserted, on good
authority, by a Mr. Plott of Oxford, the following
highly singular anecdote is recorded. " At Lord
Gower's canal at Trentham, a Pike seized the
head of a swan as she was feeding under water,
and gorged so much of it as killed them both : the
servants, perceiving the swan with its head under
water for a longer time than usual, took boat, and
found both swan and pike dead." But there are
instances, sa}^s Mr. Pennant, still more surprising,
and which indeed border a little on the marvellous.
Gesner relates that a famished Pike in the Rhone,
seized on the lips of a mule that was brought to
water, and that the beast drew the fish out before
it could disengage itself: he adds that people have
been bitten by these voracious animals while they
were washing their legs, and that they will even
contend with the Otter for its prey, and endeavour
to force it out of his mouth.

The smaller kind of fishes are said to shew the
same uneasiness and detestation at the presence of
a Pike as the smaller birds do at the sight of a hawk
qr an owl, and when the Pike, as is often the case,
lies dormant near the surface of the water, are ob-

COMMON PIKE. 103

served to swim around in vast numbers, and in the
greatest anxiety. In the ditches near the Thames
Pike are often haltered in a noose, and taken while
they lie thus asleep, as they are frequently found in
the month of May.

The longevity of the Pike is very remarkable, i£
as Mr. Pennant observes, we may credit the ac-
counts given by authors. Rzaczynski in his Natural
History of Poland tells us of one that was ninety
years old ; but Gesner relates that in the year
1497, a Pike was taken near Hailburn in Suabia,
with a brazen ring affixed to it, on which were
these words in Greek characters. " I am the fish
which was first of all put into this lake by the
hands of the Governor of the Universe Frederick
the second, the fifth of October 1230,'' so that,
adds Mr. Pennant, the former must have been an
infant to this Mathusalem of a fish.

The Pike spawns in March and April, according
to the warmth or coldness of the season ; deposit-
ing its ova among the weeds, &c. near the water's
edge : the young are said to be of very quick
growth : indeed Bloch considers it as the quickest
grower of all the European fishes whose progress he
has had an opportunity of observing. The first year,
according to this author, it arrives at the length of
from six to ten inches; the second to twelve or
fourteen ; and the third to eighteen or twenty.
The stomach of the Pike is strong and muscular
and of very considerable length : it is also furnished
with several large and red pleats : in the intestinal
canal have been observed several kinds of worms

104 SEA

and particularly tasnias, of which not fewer than an
hundred have been seen in a single fish.

The Pike is generally supposed to have been in-
troduced into England in the reign of King Henry
the eighth, and it is said that they were then so
rare that a Pike was sold for double the price of a
house-lamb in February, and a Pickrel or Jack for
more than a fat capon : yet as it occurs in the
famous inthronization feast of Archbishop Nevil in
the year 1466, it was probably known in our island
at a much earlier period.

SEA PIKE.

Esox Sphyraena. E. argcnteo-cccrulcscens dorso dipterygio,maxilla,
infcriore longiorc, pinnis infcrioribus rubcntibus.

Silvery-blueish Pike, with two dorsal fins, lower jaw longer
than the upper, and lower fins reddish.

Esox Sphyraena. E. dorso dipterygio, antica spinosa. Lin. Sysf.
Nat. p. 515.

Esox pinnis dorsi duabus. Block, t. 33Q.

Sphyraena. Salv. Aldr. mil. Jonst. SfC. fyc.

Sea Pike, or Spit-Fish. Uiarlt. onomast.p. 136.

THIS species in its general habit or appearance
is considerably allied to the common Pike, but is
of a silvery blueish colour, dusky on the back, and
slightly tinged with yellow on the head and about
the gills: the first dorsal fin is situated on the
middle of the back, and is furnished with only four
rays, which are all strong or spiny : the second,
which is placed opposite the anal fin, consists of
about ten rays, of which the first only is spiny :

BARRACUDA PIKE. 105

both these dorsal fins, together with the tail, which
is deeply forked., are of a dusky tinge : the pectoral,
ventral, and anal are of a pale red : the eyes are
moderately large; the lower jaw longer than the
upper ; the scales middle-sized, and the lateral line
nearly strait. This fish is an inhabitant of the
Mediterranean and Atlantic seas; growing to the
length of about two feet. It is said to be in con-
siderable esteem for the table, the flesh resembling
that oftheCod-Fish.

BARRACUDA PIKE.

Esox Barracuda. E. elongatus fuscus, subtus albidus, dorso

dipterygio, caudafurcata.

Brown , elongated Pike, whitish beneath, with two dorsal fins,
> and forked tail.
Barracuda. Catcsb. Carol. 2. t. 1.

HABIT of the common Pike, but of a longer form,
and more slender or taper in proportion towards
the tail : size very great, some having been seen
of ten feet in length ; but the more common size,
according to Catesby, is from six to eight feet :
eyes large ; mouth very wide, with the under jaw
longer than the upper, which is armed with four
large teeth placed at the fore-part of the jaw : next
the head are placed ten smaller teeth , being five
on each, side; and in the fore-part of the under jaw
grows a large single tooth : the dorsal fins are two
in number ; the fir$t situated on the middle of the

106 FOX PIKE.

back, and the second towards the tail, opposite the
anal fm : the tail is pretty deeply forked: general
colour brown, with whitish abdomen. This is said
to be an extremely strong, fierce, and dangerous
fish, swimming with great rapidity, and preying
on most others : it is even said sometimes to at-
tack and destroy bathers, in the same manner as
the Shark. It is found in great plenty in the tropi-
cal seas, and is frequent about the West-Indian
islands. It is in no estimation as a food, the flesh
being rank, and even, sometimes, according to
common report, highly noxious, occasioning all
the symptoms of the most fatal poisons ; yet, in
spite of these bad qualities, we are assured by
Catesby that the hungry Bahamians frequently
make their repast " on its unwholesome carcase."
The situation of the teeth of this fish, us described
by Catesby, seems rather anomalous, and I know
not whether it may bo considered as sufficiently
correct or not.

FOX PIKE.

Esox Vulpes. E.fuscus, pinna in media dorst, membrana branchi-

ostega triradiata. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 51 6.
Brown Pike, with dorsal fin in the middle of the back, and

three-rayed gill-membrane.
Vulpes Bahamensis. Catesb. Car. 2. t. l.f. 2.

GENERAL length about sixteen inches : habit
somewhat similar to that of a common Pike, but
remarkably slender or taper towards the tail, which
is very deeply and widely forked : mouth of mode-

MALABAR PIKE. 107

rate width : jaws equal, and with a single row of
sharp teeth in each : dorsal fin situated in the
middle of the back : scales rather large., thin,, and
rounded : colour of the whole' fish brown, paler or
lighter beneath : native of Carolina and the West-
Indian islands.

MALABAR PIKE.

Esox Malabaricus. E. subftavescens, pinna in media dor&i, pintus
fusco tramversimfasciato-inaculatis, cuuda rotitndata.

Yellowish Pike, with dorsal fin on the middle of the back, fins
transversely barred with brown spots, and forked tail.

Esox Malabaricus. E. dentibus caninis quatuor, radiis quinque
membranue branc/iiostegce. Block, t. 3Q2.

LENGTH of the specimen described about twelve
inches: habit distantly allied to that of the common
Pike, but with the tail rounded, and the dorsal fin
placed on the middle of the back: colour yellowish,
dusky on the back • lower jaw longer than the
upper : eyes rather large : scales large, and very
distinct : lateral line bending a little downwards at
its origin from the gill-covers, and then running
strait to the tail : all the fins, together with the
tail, of a very pale, transparent brown, barred bv
several rows of deep-brown spots. Native of Mala-
bar, inhabiting rivers and rivulets, and in con-
siderable esteem for the table.

103

WEST-INDIAN PIKE.

Esox Synodus. E. pinna in mcdio dorsi, mewbrana. branckiostcga
quinqueradiata. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 51 6.

Pike with the dorsal fin on the middle of the back, and five-
rayed gill- membrane.

GREATLY allied to the E. Vulpes. Native of the
American seas, and according to Cepede sometimes
found in the Mediterranean : body marked by a
few transverse dusky bands : scales large : abdo-
men silvery : fins striped with black.

SILVER-STRIPE PIKE.

Esox Hepsetus. E. linca laterali argentca. Lin. Syst. Nat.

p.5\7. Piquitinga. Marcgr. Bras.p.lSg.
Pike with silvery lateral line.
Esox marginatus. E. pinna dorsali aniquc oppositis, linca

laterali argentea, maxilla infcriori scxtuplo longiori. Lin.

Gmel.p. 13Q3. Forsk. Arab. p. 67.

A SMALL species : body elongated, somewhat
transparent, and covered with rather large scales :
tail bilobate, and scaled like the body : upper jaw
short ; lower six times as long, and rather soft at
the tip : general colour brownish above, and whitish
beneath. Native of the Indian and American
seas.

log

SILVER PIKE.

Esox Argenteus. E. fuscm, litteris flavicantibus pictus. Lin.

Gmel. G. Forst. it. circa orb. 1. p. 15q.
Dusky Pike, variegated with yellowish characters.

NATIVE of New Zealand and other islands in
the Southern Ocean, inhabiting fresh waters.

NAKED-HEADED PIKE.

Esox Gymnocephalus. E. waxillis &qualibus, operculis ob-

tusissimis, capite denudato. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 517.
Pike with naked jaws, very obtuse gill-covers, and naked head.

NATIVE of India : said by Linnaeus to be of the
size of a Launce.

BRASILIAN PIKE,

Esox Brasiliensis. E. maxilla wfcriore longissimay corpore ser-

pentino. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 5\J.

Fike with snake- shaped body, and very long under jaw.
Esox Brasiliensis. Block, t. 391.

LENGTH about twelve or fifteen inches : body
long and subcylindric : scales rather large : colour
pale green, with five or six broad, semidecurrent,
brown bands across the back : abdomen silvery :
head formed in such a manner as to resemble that
of a Swordfish inverted $ the lower jaw being semi-
cylindric, and vastly longer than the upper : both

HO SPUR-FINNED PIKE.

are edged with small sharp teeth: eyes large:
fins pale : tail sharply forked, with the lower
lobe rather longer than the upper. Native of the
Indian and American seas : considered as an ex-
cellent fish for the table, according to some.

SPUR-FINNED PIKE.

Esox Chirocentrus. E. maxilla inferiore longiore, spina utrinqite

thoradca super pinnas perforates.
Pike with the lower jaw longer than the upper, and the breast

armed on each side by a spine over the pectoral fin.
Esox Chirocentrus. Cepede. 5. p. 3 1 7.

SLIGHTLY described, and figured by Cepede from
the manuscripts of Commcrson : habit like that of
the common Pike: lower jaw longer than the upper
but rounded at the tip : teeth sharp and rather
large in both jaws: scales middle-sized: dorsal fin
single, and placed opposite the anal : on each side
the thorax, immediately over the pectoral fin, a
very strong and slightly curved spine about two
thirds the length of the fin, and of which it appears
to be in reality no other than a kind of first ray
standing separate from the fin itself: tail forked.
Native of the Indian seas.

ill

CHINESE PIKE. *

Esox Chinensis. En capite gracili, maxilla inferior e longiore,

oculis magnis prominulis.
Pike with slender head, lower jaw longer than the upper, and

large protuberant eyes.
Sphyraena Chinensis. Cepede. 5. p. 327.

SLIGHTLY described by Cepede from the MSS. of
Commerson ; scales middle sized : native of the
Indian seas : general colour green with a cast of
silver.

GOLD-GREEN PIKE.

Esox Aureoviridis. E. aureo-viridis, pihnis dorsalibus duabus,

ore acuto, maxilla infcriore longiore.
Gold-green Pike, with two dorsal fins, and sharp-pointed mouth

with the lower jaw longer than the upper.
Sphyraena aureo-viridis. Cepede. 5. p. 3 29.

AN elegant species, according to Cepede, who
describes and figures it from the drawings of Plu-
mier. Habit resembling some of the Spari : head
pointed : colour as expressed in the specific cha-
racter : scales middle-sized : at the base of the first
dorsal fin a somewhat strong spine : tail forked or
lunated. Native of the American seas.

m

BECUNA PIKE.

Esox Becuna. £. dongatm, argenteo-cceruk^cens, cor pore ufrin-
que cceruleo maculato pinnis dorsdibus duabus, caudu furcatu.

Silvery-blueish Pike, marked on each side by a row of ckrp-
blue spots, with two dorsal fins, and forked tail.

Sphyraena Becuna. Cepcde. 5. p. 32Q.

DESCRIBED by Cepede from the drawing of Plu-
mier: shape considerably elongated : head slender?
with lower jaw longer than the upper : scales in iddle-
sized : general colour silver-blue, with a series of
pretty large, round, dark-blue spots along each side
the body, tail spotted with blue. .Native of the
American seas.

GAR PIKK.

Esox Belone. E. anguWiformis vtrifa-cttrvleits, abdominc

argenteo, maxillis subulaii*.
Eel-shaped Pike, blue-green above, with silvery abdomen, and

veiy long, taper jaws.
Esox Belone. E. roslro utraque maxilla subulato. Lin. Syst.

Nat. p. 517.

Esox Belone. E. rostro subulato. Block, t. 33.
Gar Pike. Penn. Brit. Zool.

To the history of this fish little can be added to
what has already been detailed by Mr. Pennant in
the third volume of the British Zoology. It is a
native of the European seas, and arrives in shoals
on the British coasts towards the beginning of
summer, preceding the Mackrel, Its general

GAR PIKE. 113

length is from two to three feet -, sometimes more :
the jaws are very long, slender, and sharp-pointed ;
the lower extending much farther than the upper,
and the edges of both armed with numerous, short,
slender teeth : the inside of the mouth is purple :
the tongue small : the eyes large, with silvery
irides : the body is slender, and the belly flat,
bounded on both sides by a rough line : the colours
of the living fish are extremely beautiful ; the back
being of a very fine green, beneath which is a rich
changeable blue and purple cast, while the sides
and belly are of a bright silver-colour : the pectoral
fins consist of fourteen rays, the ventral, which is
small, and very remote from the head, of seven, the
first of which is spiny : the dorsal and anal fins are
situated near the tail, and grow gradually shallower
as they approach that part, which is pretty deeply
forked. This fish is in considerable esteem as a
food, but is rarely admitted to superior tables, on
account of a prejudice entertained against the ap-
pearance of the spine, and bones, which acquire a
green colour by boiling.

v. v. P. i.

114

SAURY PIKE.

Esox Saunas. E. anguilliformis subfuscus, dbdomine argent ea,

maxillis subulatis cequalibus, pinna dorsali analique in pinnula*

versus caudam continuatis.
Brownish Eel-shaped Pike, with silvery abdomen, slender

tapering jaws of equal length, and the dorsal and anal fin

continued into pinnules towards the tail.
Saurus. Rondel, pise. p. 232.
Saury Pike. Penn. Brit. Zuol.

THE Saury Pike may be considered as a com-
paratively rare species, and seems to have been
first described by Rondeletius, who mentions it
among the Mediterranean fishes, under the title
of Saurus. Its general length is about a foot :
the body eel-shaped, growing suddenly taper as it
approaches the tail : the snout is about an inch
long, slender, and with the jaws produced, like
those of the Gar, but both of equal length, and
the upper mandible is a little incurvated : the
pectoral fins are small ; the ventral still smaller :
the dorsal and anal shallow, situated near the tail,
and are each continued into the appearance of six
or seven iinlets above and below, like those in the
genus Scomber, as far as the base of the tail, which
is deeply forked. The colour of the whole animal
is dusky above, and silvery beneath ; or with equal
propriety, it might be said to be silvery, with dusky
or blueish-brown back. According to Rondeletius
it resembles the Mackrel in taste, being in that
respect much allied to the Gar. Mr. Pennant in-

BONY-SCALED PIKE. 115

forms us that in the month of November 1768,
great numbers of this species were thrown by a
storm on the shores of Leith near Edinburgh. In
an elegant drawing of this fish, communicated by
the Revd. Mr. Rackett, F.L.S. I observe that the
skin appears .reticulated by fine lines, decussating
each other at equal distances ; and that the tail is
obliquely streaked by several transverse dusky lines.
In a specimen figured in the work of Cepede the
jaws are represented curving upwards, contrary to
what has hitherto been observed ; the specimen
figured in the work of Mr. Pennant, as well as that
in Rondeletius, and the last mentioned drawing by
•Mr. Rackett having the jaws strait.

BONY-SCALED PIKE.

Esox Osseus. E. virescensj abdwnine subroseo, squamis quadrat is

osseis, rostro prcelongo.
Greenish Pike, with slightly rose-coloured abdomen, square

bony scales, and very long snout.
Esox osseus. E. maxilla superiore longiore, squamis osseis,

Lin. Syst. Nat, p. 516.
Esox radii s primis serratis. Block, t. 390.

THIS is a fish of very considerable size, and of a
highly remarkable appearance, being covered every
where, except on the head and gill-covers, with
very large, square, bony or very strong scales dis-
posed in oblique rows along the sides : each indi-
vidual scale is itself marked into four triangular
spaces : the head is large, without scales, and
slightly marked into subhexagonal divisions 5 the

llQ BONY-SCALED PIKE.

gill-covers radiated ; the snout very long; the upper
jaw longer than the lower, and both beset along
the edges with very numerous sharp teeth of un-
equal sizes ; three small ones succeeding each of
the longer throughout the whole length of the jaws :
the eyes are rather small than large, and the nostrils
are double on each side, and placed near the tip of
the snout : the pectoral and ventral fins are small,
and of an ovate shape : the dorsal and anal of
similar form, and placed opposite each other at a
small distance from the tail, which is rather short,
and rounded or ovate : the first ray of all the fins,
as well as that on each side the tail, is extremely
strong, being edged with a double row of very
strong scaly processes : a similar row, but still
stronger, runs along the ridge of the back, consist-
ing of pretty large, heart-shaped scales: the body
is nearly cylindrical, or but very slightly com-
pressed. The general colour of this fish is green,
with a tinge of red about the gills, abdomen, and
fins, of which the dorsal and anal, with the tail,
are spotted with black. It is a native of the Ame-
rican lakes and rivers, growing to the length of
three or four feet, and is said to be of a very vora-
cious nature, swimming briskly, and preying on
almost all the smaller fishes. It is considered as an
excellent fish for the table, the flesh being white,,.,
firm> and well-flavoured.

770.

*

•r

e

M
-
-

y

117

CEPEDIAN PIKE.

Esox Cepedianus. E. squatws quadrat is osseis, rostro lo?igo,

maxillis spatulceformibus.
Pike with square bony scales, long snout, and spatule- shaped

jaws.
Lepisosteus Spatula. Ccpedc. 5. p. 331. pi. 6.f. 2.

SIMILAR to the preceding species in general ap-
pearance, bony scales, &c. but with the head more
compressed, flattened, and radiated with large bony
divisions : the sides of the upper jaw, which is a
trifle longer than the lower, are divided into four
or five radiated bony plates, and about the eyes are
several smaller divisions : the gill-covers are com-
posed, as in the former species, of three plates, but
the principal difference consists in the form of the
snout, which is not so long in proportion, is dilated
towards the tip into the form of a spatula, and is
beset on each side with short, unequal, and crooked
teeth, besides which the upper jaw is furnished with
another row of longer and sharper ones, at unequal
distances : the palate is also beset with several
small teeth : the fins, in their form and situation,
perfectly resemble those of the preceding species,
but differ in the number of their rays ; the dorsal
having eleven, and the anal nine, whereas in the
former species both the dorsal and anal have nine
only. Native of the American seas and rivers
Described by Cepede.

1J8

LEVERIAN PIKE.

Esox Leverianus. E. squamis quadratis osscis, maxillis latis,

subcequalibuS) rotundatis.
Pike with square bony scales, and broad, nearly equal, rounded

jaws.
Manjuari. Description de di/crentes piczas de Historia Natural

las mas del ramo maritime, reprcsentadas cu sententia y cinco

laminas. su avtor Don Antonio Parra. t. 4Q.f. 2. ?

SIMILAR to the first species in all particulars ex-
cept that of the head, which is much flatter, and
wider in proportion, with a broadband flat snout of
very moderate length : the jaws are very nearly
equal, the tip of the upper just curving slightly over
that of the lower : teeth rather small for the size of
the animal, and set in a single row in each jaw ;
those in front being larger and longer than the
rest, as in both the preceding kinds : outline of the
upper jaw somewhat undulated, and when viewed
in direct profile slightly resembling the shape of
that of the Nilotic Crocodile : length of the speci-
men about five feet : colour an uniform pale whitish
or yellowish brown.

Whether this and the immediately preceding be
truly distinct, or whether they may not constitute
a variety of the same species, may, perhaps, be
doubted.

CHILI PIKE.

Esox Chilensis. E. supra aureus, subtus argenteus, squumis
quadratis osseis, maxillis cequalibus, linea later all ccerulea.

Gold-coloured Pike, silvery beneath, with square bony scales,
equal jaws, and blue lateral line.

Esox Chilensis. E. maxillis (equalibus, linea laterali ccerulea.
Lin. Gmel. p. 13Q2. Molina Chilip. 196.

ALLIED to the preceding kinds, but of a different
colour, being described by Molina, who seems to
have been its first scientific observer, as of a golden
cast above, and silvery beneath : the body is cylin-
dric, covered with square and bony, but easily de-
ciduous scales : the head large and flattened : the
eyes large, orbicular, and lateral : the gape mode-
rate : the teeth small, fixed, and close-set ; the
tongue entire, and the palate smooth : the branchial
aperture lunated: the gill-covers composed of two
plates : the lateral line blue, and the fins short and
radiated. Native of the seas about Chili, where it
is much esteemed for the table, having a white,
flaky, semi-transparent, and delicious flesh : length
from two to three feet.

12O

GREEN PIKE.

Esox Viridis, E. mridis, matiUa infenore loiigiore, squatnis

temabtts. Lin. GmeL p. 1389-
Green Pike, with large square thin scales, and lower jaw longer

than the upper.

SIMILAR to tl*e above kinds as to habit, but of a
smaller size, and covered with large, thin, soft,
square scales : lower jaw longer than the upper :
dorsal and anal fin exactly opposite : colour green.
Native of the seas about Carolina, where it was
observed by Dr. Garden. It appears to have been
confounded by some with the Acus maxima syuamosa
viridis of Catesby, which, though not accurately
figured by that author, is undoubtedly intended for
the Eso.v osseus or Bony-sailed Pike. In the present
species, according to Garden, the dorsal fin is fur-
nished Math eleven rays, and the anal with seven-
teen.

VIPER-MOUTHED PIKE.

Esox Stomias. E. dentibus quafuor cceteris mvlto longioribvs ore

clauso prominentibvs.
Pike with four of the teeth much longer than the rest, and

projecting from the mouth when shut. Nat. Misc. Q pi.

344.
Vipera marina, The Viper-Mouth. Catesb. Carol. 2. pL 19.

Append.

THIS curious fish, which might perhaps more
properly constitute a distinct genus than be ranked

I

VIPER-MOUTHED PIKE. 121

under that of Esox, is a native of the Mediterranean
sea, and seems to have been first described by
Catesby from a specimen presented to Sir Hans
Sloane. The specimen above-mentioned is preserv-
ed in the British Museum, but does not exhibit on
its surface any of that reticulated or hexagonally
marked appearance expressed in the figure of
Catesby : this perhaps may have been obliterated
by length of time. The representation here given
is considerably smaller than the natural size ; the
fish being eighteen inches in length : its colour,
when living, is said to be an obscure greenish
brown, A specimen occurs also in the Leverian
Museum.

POLYPTERUS. POLYPTERUS.

Generic Character.

Membr : branch : uniradi- II Gill-membrane single-ray-

ata. ed.

Pinna dorsales numerosse. II Dorsal fais numerous.

NILOTIC POLYPTERUS.

Polypterus Niloticus. P. viridis, abdomine nigro maculato.
Green Polypterus, with the abdomen spotted with black.
Polyptere Bichir. Geoffroy. Annales du Museum d'Histoirc
Naturelle. l.p. 57.pl. 5.

JL HE fish which constitutes this new and highly
remarkable genus appears to have been first scien-
tifically described by Monsr. E. Geoffroy, who con-
siders it as forming in some degree a connecting
link between the osseous and the cartilaginous
fishes. Monsr. GeofFroy's observations relative to
its form and nature may be found in the work
mentioned at the close of the specific character.

In point of general affinity it seems most nearly
allied to the genus Esox, and especially to those
species which are furnished with large, strong and
bony scales. Its shape is long and serpentiform,
the body being nearly cylindrical : the head is de-
fended by large bony pieces or plates, and the
body covered with large and strong scales, very

NILOTIC POLYPTERUS. 1 23

closely affixed to the skin, so that it may be con-
sidered as in some degree a mailed fish : the pecto-
ral and ventral fins, but particularly the former,
are attached by a sort of strong and scaly base or
cubit, allowing the same kind of motion as in those
of the genus Lopius among the cartilaginous fishes:
the pectoral fins are placed immediately beyond
the head ; the ventral at a vast distance beyond it,
the abdomen in this fish being of a very unusual
length : the anal fin is seated at some distance
beyond the ventral, very near the tail, and is of an
ovate, but slightly pointed shape : the tail, which is
rather small and short for the size of the animal, is of
a rounded or ovate form, and consists only of soft,
strait, articulated rays, so disposed in the mem-
brane as to allow but little freedom of motion in
this part : at a small distance beyond the head,
along the whole length of the back, runs a con-
tinued series of small dorsal fins, to the number of
sixteen, seventeen, or eighteen, the number vary-
ing slightly in different individuals : each of these
fins is of an ovate shape, upright, or but very
slightly inclining backwards, and is furnished with
a very strong spine at its base or origin, while the
remaining part consists of four or five soft and
branched rays, connected by their uniting mem-
brane : the first or spiny ray, at about two thirds
of its height from the base, sends off a small second-
ary point or spine : the lateral line commences at
a small distance from the gill-covers, from which it
slightly descends for a small space, and then runs
strait to the tail : the eyes are small and round :

124 NILOTIC POLYPTERUS.

the mouth of moderate width ; the jaws furnished
with a row of rather small and sharp teeth, and the
upper lip with a pair of small and short tentacula
at its tip : the vent is placed very near the tail, at
the commencement of the anal fin : the branchial
. aperture is large, and in place of a membrane there
is only a single bony plate or semicircular arch-
The usual length of this fish is about eighteen
inches, and its colour sea-green, paler or whitish on
the abdomen, which is marked by some irregular
black spots, more numerous towards the tail than
towards the head : in the pectoral fins are usually
about thirty-two rays ; in the ventral twelve ; in
the anal fifteen ; and in the tail nineteen. The
stomach is long and large, measuring about four
inches and a half; the liver long, and composed of
two unequal lobes : the swimming-bladder double,
and loose : the ovaries long, and the eggs about the
size of millet-seeds.

This fish is known to the Egyptians by the name
of Bichir, and is considered as a very rare animal :
it is supposed in general to inhabit the depths of
the Nile, remaining among the soft mud, which it
is thought to quit only at some particular seasons,
and is sometimes taken in the fishermen's nets at
the time of the decrease of the river. It is said to
be one of the best of the Nilotic fishes, having a
white and savoury flesh ; and as it is hardly possible
to open the skin with a knife, the fish is first boiled,
and the skin afterwards drawn off whole.

ELOPS. ELOPS.

Generic Character.

Caput Iseve. Dentium sca-
brities in maxillarum
margine, palato.

Membr : branch : radiis tri-
ginta ; praeterea exterius
in medio armata dentibus
quinque.

Head smooth: edges of the

jaws and palate rough

with teeth.
Gill-membrane with thirty

rays, and armed on the..

outside in the middle

with five teeth.

SAURY ELOPS.

.Elops S auras. E. cauda supra infraque armata. Lin. Syst.

Nat. p. 518.

Elops with the tail armed above and below with a spine.
Saurus maximus. Sloane Jam. 2. p. 284. t. 251.
Elops scuto mentali, pinna dorsali anali opposita. Block, t.

393.

A HE Saury Elops, according to Sir Hans Sloane,
is known in Jamaica by the name of the Sein-Fish,
or Sea Gally-Wasp. He describes it in the follow-
ing manner.

" This fish was about fourteen inches long, in
the middle five inches round, and tapering to both
ends : the mouth in both jaws had one row of small
sharp teeth, and on the upper two more within,
parallel to them, and a row of the same on the
upper part of the cartilaginous tongue : three

126 SAURY ELOPS.

quarters of an inch from the end of the snout were
the eyes, round and grey : there were two pinnce
post branchias, two under the belly, one on the
middle of the back, post anum another, and a
forked tail : it was all over scaly, the back of a dark
brown, and the belly of a white colour."

In general habit the Saury Elops bears some
resemblance to a Pike, or rather to a Salmon : the
scales are of moderate size ; the head smooth and
without scales ; the tail much forked, and armed
both above and below by a strong spine, forming
a first or spiny ray on each side the tail : from the
base of the tail, in the specimen figured by Dr.
Bloch, runs a black stripe to the end of the middle
division : the general colour of the fish is a silvery
grey, dusky on the back, silvery on the abdomen,
the head being slightly tinged with yellow : the
fins are of a blueish brown. In the specimen above
mentioned Dr. Bloch was not able to perceive the
spine or strong ray on each side the tail. In a fine
specimen in the British Museum it is very con-
spicuous. Dr. Bloch observes, as a distinguishing
character of this fish, that the chin or under part
of the mouth is armed by a kind of small, oblong,
bony shield, interposed between the sides of the
gill-membrane.

ARGENTINA. ARGENTINE.

Generic Character.

Denies in maxillis, lingua. ,

Membr : branch : radiis

octo.

Corpus ano caudse vicino.
Pinnae ventrales multi-
radiatae.

Teeth in the jaws and

tongue.
Gill-membrane with eight

rays.

Vent near the tail.
Ventral fins many-rayed.

TOOTH-TONGUED ARGENTINE.

Argentina Glossodonta. A.fusco-argentea, lingua palatoque m»

osseo-tuberculatiSj pinna ani octo-radiata.
Silvery-brown Argentine, with the back of the palate and

tongue beset with bony tubercles, and eight-rayed anal fin.
Argentina glossodonta. A. pinna ani radiis octo. Lin. Gntel.

p. 1394. Forsk. Arab. p. 68.

HIGHLY elegant species : general size and
proportion that of the Mugil Cephalus or grey
mullet : colour dusky brown, accompanied by a
most resplendent silvery gloss : scales rather large,
rounded, and well defined, and disposed into a kind
of stripes, as in the Grayling : irides silvery : upper
jaw longer than the lower, and forming a kind of
obtuse snout : teeth in front of the upper jaw, very
numerous, small, setaceous, and disposed in two

128 PEARL-BLADDERED ARGENTINE.

parallel ranges : those in front of the lower jaw
disposed in a single range : base of the upper jaw,
towards the throat, beset or paved with numerous,
small, orbicular grinders or bony tubercles : tongue
like that of some small quadruped, but on its back-
part, or towards the throat paved with similar
tubercles to those of the upper jaw : lateral line
strait : tail bifid, and scaly J>etween the lobes.
Native of the Red Sea.

PEARL-BLADDERED ARGENTINE.

Argentina Sphyraena. A. argent ca nitidissima, pinna, aw radii's

norem.

Bright- Silvery Argentine, with nine rays in the anal fin.
Argentina Sphyraena. A. pinna tud radiis nuvcm. Lin. Syst.

Nat. Gmd. p. 13g4.
Pisciculus Rornae Argentina dictus. Will, ichtfi. p. 229.

Tins is a small fish inhabiting the Mediterranean
sea, and is remarkable for the brilliancy of its ap-
pearance, being of a bright silver-colour, with a
cast of green on the upper parts, and a purplish
tinge on the head : the air-bladder is of as bright a
colour as the body, resembling polished silver, and,
together with the scales, affords some of the best
kind of silvery matter used in the preparation of arti-
ficial pearls, being washed off, collected, and intro-
duced into the small globes of glass blown for that
purpose. The scales of many other fishes however
are used in the same manufactory, which is said to
be principally carried on in the city of Paris..

12Q

MACHNATA ARGENTINE.

Argentina Machnata. A. lineari-lanceolata argentea, pinna aid

radiis scptendcciiy.
Linear-lanceolate Argentine, with seventeen rays in the anal

fin.
Argentina Machnata. A. pinna ani radiis septendecim. Lin.

Gmel. Forsk. Arab.

> LENGTH about two spans, or more : colour silvery,
with the back of a dusky blueish tinge : shape
slender, not unlike that .of an Anchovy : scales
middle-sized : dorsal, anal, and caudal fins blueish-
green ; pectoral and ventral yellowish : lower jaw
somewhat longer than the upper : eyes large : teeth
small and numerous. Native of the Red Sea.

CAROLINA ARGENTINE.

Argentina Carolina. A. argentata, dorso subfusco, pinna anali

radiis quindecim. Lin. Gmel. p. 13Q5.
Silvery- Argentine, with dusky back, and fifteen rays in th«

anal fin.
Harengus minor Bahamensis. Catesb. Car. 2. t. 24.

SIZE of a small Herring : colour silvery : lateral
line strait : tail forked. Native of Carolina, in-
habiting fresh waters.

v. v. r. i.

ATHERINA. ATHERINE.

Generic Character.

Caput maxilla superiore

planiuscula.

Membr: branch: radiissex.
Corpus fascia latcrali argen-

tca.

Head somewhat flattened
over the upper jaw.

Gill-membrane six-rayed.

Body marked by a silver
lateral stripe.

MEDITERRANEAN ATHERINE.

Atherina Hepsetus. A. sulflaiescens , dorso subolivaceOj pinna

ani radiis duodecim.
Subflavescent Atherine, with subolivaceous back, and about

twelve rays in the anal fin.
Atherina Hepsetus. A. pinna ani radiis fere duodecim. Lin.

Syst. Nat. p. 519.
Atherina squamis rhombeis, radiis tredecira in pinna ani,

Block, t. 393. /. 3.

elegant species : shape not unlike that of a
Smelt : length six or seven inches : colour yellow-
ish or pale, with some degree of transparency, and
subolivaceous or dusky on the back : along the
sides, from gills to tail, a bright, well-defined silvery
band or stripe, through the middle of which passes
the lateral line: eyes rather large: lower jaw some-
what longer than the upper : scales large : fins and tail
white: dorsal fins two in number; the first situated
on the middle of the back; the second opposite the

A'l'llh: ill v K. .

N :D E 0 A ' i ' 1 1 "£ RI 2$

() I l.,T A.THER1NE ,

.1 JfayJOf.onston Pubfi.r/ifl hy 'r.Kearj-lfy Mfft Strret .

JAMAICA ATHERINE. 131

anal fin : tail forked. Native of the Mediterra-
nean and Northern seas. We are told by Monsr.
Sonnini, in his Grecian travels, that this species,
which is named Athernos by the modern Greeks, is
seen in vast shoals about the coasts of the Grecian
islands, and is easily taken in great quantities by
the simple device of trailing in the water a horse's
tail or a piece of black cloth fastened to the end
of a pole ; the fishes following all its motions and
suffering themselves to be drawn into some deep
cavity formed by the rocks, where they are readily
secured by means of a net, and may be taken at
pleasure. Mr. Pennant informs us that they are
taken at almost all times of the year, except in
very cold weather, about the coast of Southampton,
where they are often called by the name of Smelts.

JAMAICA ATHERINE.

Atherina Menidia. A. subflavescens, subpeUucida, fascia laterali

argentea, pinna ani radiis viginti-quatiior.
Subflavescent, subpellucid Atherine, with silvery lateral stripe,

and twenty-four rays in the anal fin.
Atherina Menidia. A. pinna ani radiis liginti-quatuor. Lin.

Syst. Nat. p. 5\g.
Menidia corpore subpellucido. Brown Jam. p. 141.

A SMALL species, usually measuring about three
inches in length : the head is pretty large in pro-
portion to the body: the silvery lateral band is
broad in proportion to the fish, and of a brilliant
silver-colour. It is said to be an extremely delicate
fish, and is in much esteem with the inhabitants of

JAPANESE ATHERTNE.

Jamaica, in the harbours of which island it is very
common, and is called by. the name of the Silver-
Fish, or Small Anchovy.

SIHAMA ATHERINE.

Atherina Sihama. A. viridi-cccnilesccns sitbpellucida , pinna ani

radiis viginti-tribus.
Blueish-green subpellucid Atherine, with twenty- three rays

in the dorsal fin.
Atherina Sihama. A. pinnis ventralibus subthoracicis9 radiis

dorsalis pinna: undecim. Forsk. Arab. p. 70.

SHAPE lanceolate: length about a span and half:
silvery band opake and rather obscure : ventral fins
situated almost beneath the thoracic ones, so that
the fish might be referred to the tribe of Thoracic
Fishes : scales middle-sized : native of the lied
Sea.

JAPANESE ATHERINE.

Atherina Japonica. A. fusco-ntbcscens, fascia lalerali latisidma.
Reddish-brown Atherine, with very broad lateral band.
A. Japonica. A. pinna dorsi um'ca quiuqueradiata. Lin. G?nel,
Houttuyn Act. Haarl. 20. p. 340.

LENGTH three or four inches : . head without
scales : no visible teeth in the jaws. Native of the
Japanese sea.

133

TRANSPARENT ATHERINE.

Atherina Pinguis. A. hyaUna, dorso obscuriore, pinnis pecto*

ralibus fascia transversa argent ea.
Hyaline Atherine, with the pectoral fins marked by a transverse

silver band.
Atherina pinguis. Cepedc. 5. p. 371.

NATIVE of the Indian seas : mentioned by Cepede
from the MSS. of Commerson : dorsal fin and tail
brown ; lower fins white : inside of the mouth of
a bright silver-colour : esteemed a very delicate fish
for the table.

MUGIL. MULLET.

Generic Character.

Labia membranacea : infe-
rius introrsum carinatum.
Denies nulli : Callus in-
flexus supra sinus oris.

Membr : branch : radiis

septem cur vis.
Corpus carnosum : squam<c

magnae : pinnae dor sales

duse.

Lips membranaceous ; the
inferior carinated within :
Teeth none : at the cor-
ners of the mouth an in-
flected Callus.

Gill-membrane with six
curved rays.

Body flesh}' : scales large :
dorsal Jins two.

COMMON MULLET.

Mugil Cephalus. M. griseo-argenteus, dorso subfmco, striis

lateralibus longitudinalibus subnigris.
Silvery-grey Mullet, with dusky back, and sides striped with

longitudinal blackish lines.
Mugil Cephalus. M. pinna dorsali anterior e qumqueradiata.

Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 520.
Mugil. Plin. lib. 9. c. 15. If.
Mugil & Mugilis. Salv. 75. Gesn. Aldr. $c.
Mugil Cephalus. Will, ichth. p. 274.
Mugil corpore nigro lineato. Block, t. 3Q4.
Mullet. Perm. Brit. Zool.

nn

A HIS fish, the Mugil and Mugilis of the ancient
Romans, is a very common inhabitant of the Medi-

G

COMMON MULLET. 135

terranean and Northern seas, frequenting chiefly
the shallow parts near the shores, and feeding on
the smaller kind of worms, sea-insects, and veget-
ables : its general length is from twelve to fifteen
or sixteen inches, and its colour blueish grey, darker
on the back and silvery on the abdomen : the sides
are marked, like those of the Grayling, with several
dusky stripes, according to the rows of scales, which
are large and rounded : the fins are blueish : the
head is rather large, pointed in front, and somewhat
flattened at the top: the mouth small; the tongue
rough, and the throat armed at its entrance with
two roughened bones : the first dorsal fin, which is
situated on the middle of the back, consists of four
very strong rays* : the second dorsal fin is placed
opposite the anal, and has only soft rays : the base
of the dorsal and anal fin, as well as that of the tail,
is scaly, and the tail is forked or lunated.

The Mullet is found not only in the European
seas, but in the Indian and Atlantic oceans : it is
observed to assemble frequently in small shoals
near the shore, in quest of food, burrowing into the
soft mud and leaving the trace of its head in the
form of a round hole.

In the spring and early summer months this fish,
like the Salmon, ascends rivers to a considerable
distance, and when preparing for these expeditions
is observed in shoals near the surface of the water,
at which time the fishermen endeavour to avail
themselves of the opportunity of surrounding them

* Of five, according to Linnaeus.

130 CRENATED MULLET.

with their nets, which the fish are said to shew
great address in escaping from.

The Mullet is considered as an excellent fish for
the table, though not a fashionable one in our own
country. Dr. Bloch informs us that it is generally
eaten with the addition of oil and lemon-juice. The
spawn is often prepared into an inferior kind of
Caviar called Botargo, by drying and salting it; in
which manner also the fish itself, in plentiful sea-
sons, is occasionally preserved.

CRENATED MULLET.

Mugil Crenilabis. M. albidus, subfusco thicfilus, labris crcnatis.
Whitish Mullet* with brownish stripes, and crenatcd lips.
Mugil crenilabis. M. pinna dor sail anterior c radiis quatuor
jlexillbus, postcriorc incrmibufi, labiis crcnatis, infcriore bicari-
nato. Lin. Gmcl. Forsk. Arab.

SIZE of the common Mullet : length about twelve
inches : colour whitish ; scales rather large, and
marked by a dusky streak : upper lip gaping ;
lower bicarinated within, and both lips crenulated
on the edges : fins glaucous white ; the pectoral
marked at the base by a round black spot : tail
forked. Native of the Red sea : observed by
Forskal, who mentions what he considers as three
varieties, in one of which, called Sehdi, the lips are
not crenated ; in the second, called Our, both the
lips are ciliated, and the lower furnished with a single
carina; and in the third, called Tade, the upper lip
is finely ciliated, and the pectoral fins are without
the black spot.

Jl5.

337

AMERICAN MULLET.

Mugil Albula. M. albido-argcnteus, pinna dorsali anteriort

radiis quatuor.

Silvery- white Mullet, with four rays in the first dorsal fin.
Albula Bahamensis. Catcsb. 2. t. 6.
Mugil argenteus minor, &c. Brown. Jam. p. 450.

GREATLY allied to the common Mullet, but of a
more slender form : mouth small and toothless :
tail large and forked : inhabits the American seas,
and is very frequent about the Bahama islands,
It is considered as an excellent fish for the table.

INDIAN MULLET.

Mullus Malabaricus. M. griseus, squamls magnis cilia f is f pinna

dorsali secunda analique falcatis.
Grey Mullet, with large ciliated scales, and the first dorsal and

anal fin falcated.
Peddaraki Sovero. Russ. pise. hid. t. 182.

LENGTH about two feet : head small ; nape sink-
ing in a little before the rise of the back : scales
large and ciliated, both on the body and gill-covers :
those on the head somewhat smaller : colour similar
to that of the common Mullet, but with less con-
spicuous longitudinal streaks : first dorsal fin four-
rayed : second dorsal fin falcated at the back-part :
anal fin of nearly similar shape : tail large, and
widely lunated. Native of the Indian seas.

138

TANG MULLET.

Mugil Tang. M. griseo-argenteus, lincis longitudinalibus sub-

flaws, operculis desquamatis.
Silver-grey Mullet, with yellowish longitudinal streaks, and

scaleless gill-covers.
Mugil Tang. M. ore angustato, operculis desquamatis. Block.

t. 3Q5.

LENGTH about a foot : shape rather shorter and
thicker than that of the common Mullet : head
large ; mouth small : eyes rather large : gill-covers
without scales : those on the body large : colour
silvery white, with longitudinal yellowish streaks :
back brown : fins reddish : first dorsal four-rayed :
tail slightly lunated. Native of Guinea, inhabiting
fresh waters : called by the natives Tang, and con-
sidered as an excellent food.

Of this species a supposed variety is described
by Dr. Bloeh, in which the gill-covers were scaled,
the colour of the fish brighter, the eyes more
vertical, and the head smaller.

339

PLUMIER'S MULLET.

Mugil Plumieri. M. luteus, ore amplo, pinnis dorsalibus duabus

spinosis.

Yellow Mullet, with wide mouth, and both dorsal fins spiny.
Mugil ore amplo. Block, t. 396.

LENGTH about twelve inches : shape like that of
the Tang, but with a very large head, wide mouth,
and fleshy lips, which appear beset with a row of
very small teeth round the edges : colour yellow^
deeper or brownish-orange above : fins pale yellow :
the first dorsal with four very strong rays : second
dorsal with six strong rays also : scales large,
rounded, striated,, and each marked at the base by
a dusky spot : tail slightly lunated. Native of the
American seas : observed by Plumier, from whose
drawing Dr. Bloch's figure of this species was
engraved.

BLUE-SPOTTED MULLET.

Mullus Caeruleomaculatus. M. fusco-c<£rulescens3 abdomint
argenteo, pinna dorsali radiis novem, pectoralibus macula
ccerulea.

Blueish-brown Mullet, with silvery abdomen, nine rays in the
dorsal fin, and a blue spot in the pectoral fins.

Mugil cseruleo-maculatus. Cepede. 5. p. 889.

SIZE of common Mullet : colour blueish brown,
with silvery abdomen : dorsal and caudal fins
brown : lower fins pale : at the base of the pectoral

,l'4O FORSKAL'S MULLET.

fins a blue spot : the dorsal fin has nine rays, the
pectoral sixteen, and the anal ten. Native of the
Indian seas : observed by Commerson.

CHILI MULLET.

Mugil Chilensis. M. pinna dorsali vnka, cauda simplid. Lin.

Gmel. Molin. Chil. p. Ip8.
Mullet with single dorsal fin,, and simple or even tail.

LENGTH about twelve inches : general appear-
ance extremely similar to that of the Common
Mullet, but distinguished by having only one
dorsal fin. Native of the American seas, and in
much esteem as a food.

FORSKAL S MULLET.

Mugil Chanos. M. pinna dorsi unica, caudce utrinque bialata.

Lin. Gmcl.
Mullet with single dorsal fin, and tail furnished with two

wings or processes on each side.
Mugil magnus. Forsk. Arab. p. 74.

A MUCH larger fish than the common Mullet :
colour silvery : scales large, rounded, and finely
striated : head slightly flattened : tail widely
forked, and . furnished on each side, towards the
middle, with two membranaceous wings or pro-
cesses. Native of the Red sea: observed by
Forskal.

Jiff.

0

%

EXOCOETUS. FLYING-FISH.

Generic Character.

Caput squamosum : maxillis

utroque latere connexis.

Membr : branch : racliis de-

cem.

Pinna pectorales maxima?,
volatiles.

Head scaly : connected on

each side.
Gill-membrane ten- rayed.

Pectoral fins very large,
giving the power of flight.

MEDITERRANEAN FLYING-FISH.

Exocoetus Exiliens. E. argenteus, dorso sulfiisco, pinnis I'cnt-

ralibus pone medium abdominis.
Silvery Flying-Fish, with brownish back, and ventral fins

situated beyond the middle of the abdomen.
Exocoetns exiliens. E. pinnis ventralibus caudam att'mgcntibus.

Lin. Gmel. p. 1400.
Exocoetus pinnis ventralibus elongatis prope anum. Block, t.

397-

Hirundo Plinii. Aldrov. p. 144.
Rondine. Salv.p.lS5. Mugil alatus. Rondel. Will. $c,

JL H E fishes of this genus, which are very few in
number, are remarkable for the extreme length
and size of their pectoral fins, by which they are
enabled to spring occasionally from the water, and
to support a kind of temporary flight or continued
motion through the air, to the distance of two or
three hundred feet, when, the fins becoming dry,

142 MEDITERRANEAN FLYING-FISH.

they are again obliged to commit themselves to
their own element. The species at present to be
described is chiefly observed in the Mediterranean
and Atlantic seas, where, according to an ingenious
naturalist, " it leads a most miserable life: in its
own element it is perpetually harassed by the
Dorado and other fish of prey ; and if it endeavours
to avoid them by having recourse to the air, it
either meets its fate from the Gull and the Alba-
tross, or is forced down again into the mouth of
the inhabitants of the water, which keep pace with
its aerial excursion." This however ought to be
considered as an exaggerated representation of the
creature's state of existence, since, by the admir-
able balance ordained by Nature, the weaker ani-
mals have powers of escape in exact proportion to
their danger*.

It should be observed that this power of flight
or temporary skimming through the air to a con-

* To this purpose I may quote the observation of an ingenious
gentleman (Capt. G. Tobin) who has had frequent opportunities
of observing the habits of the Flying-Fish, and who thus ex-
presses himself in a note annexed to a drawing of this species
observed about the coasts of Otaheitee. tf The lower half of the
tail, in the Flying-Fish, is full twice the length of the upper :
the use of it has always appeared evident to me. I have by the
hour watched the Dolphins and Bonitos in pursuit of them, when,
without wholly immersing themselves, which would have proved
fatal to them, they have disposed in their progressive motion the
lower part of the tail in such a manner as to supply their wings
with moisture, so as to support them above the surface. I never
saw one exceed the distance of an hundred yards in its flight,
without being obliged to dip for a fresh supply."

MEDITERRANEAN FLYING-FISH. 143

siderable distance, is not entirely confined to this
genus, but takes place in some species of the genus
Scorpaena, as well as in that of Trigla, &c. as the
reader may perceive in recurring to the descrip-
tions of those genera in the former part of the
present work.

The general length of the Mediterranean Flying-
Fish is from twelve to fifteen or sixteen inches ;
and its general shape is not unlike that of a Herring:
the body is subcylindrical but with a slight ap-
proach to square, if a transverse section be sup-
posed: the head is rather large, and sloping pretty
suddenly in front : the mouth small, and edged
on both jaws with minute, pointed teeth : the eyes
large, and of a silver-colour with a cast of gold : the
scales are large, thin, and rounded : the whole
animal is of a bright silvery cast, with a blue or dusky
tinge on the upper part ; the fins are also of a
dusky colour : of these the pectoral extend as far
as the beginning of the tail, and are of a sharply
lanceolate form : the dorsal and anal fins are
shallow, and placed opposite each other near the tail,
which is deeply forked with sharp-pointed lobes,
of which the lower is nearly twice the length of
the upper : the ventral fins are rather large, of a
lengthened and pointed shape, and situated a little
beyond the middle of the abdomen towards the
anal fin : on each side the lower part of the abdo-
men runs a kind of carina or lateral line formed by
a series of small, inclining points, or spicules.

This species is frequently observed in the Medi-
terranean, sometimes -singly, and sometimes ap-

144 OCEANIC FLYING-FISH.

pearing in small shoals. Instances are not infre-
quent of its falling into ships during the decline of
its flight. It is considered as an agreeable fish for
the table, and by some is even preferred to the
Herring. The general height at which it is ob-
served to exercise its flight is about three feet
above the surface of the water.

OCEANIC FLYlNOI-'iSll.

Exocoetus Evolans. E. argentcus, dorso subfusco, pinnis vent-

ralibus ante medium abdomints*
Silvery-Flying-Fish, with brownish back, and ventral lins

situated before the middle of the abdomen,
Exocoetus evolans. E. abdumine tcrcti. Lin. Si/stm Nat. p.

521.
Exocoetus volitans. E. abdominc utrinquc carinalo. Lin. Syst.

Nat. p. 520.
Exocoetus pinnis ventralibus parvis prope pectus. Block, t. 3Q8.

THIS' species has so great a general resemblance
with the preceding as to be easily mistaken by a
common observer for the same fish. An accurate
view however will inform the spectator that the
body is somewhat longer or more slender in pro-
portion, and the head less sloping ; but the princi-
pal difference consists in the position and size of
the ventral fins, which instead of being placed, as
in the preceding species, near the anal fin, are, on
the contrary, seated at no great distance from the
pectoral ones : they are also much smaller and of a
different shape, being of a slightly lunated form.
This species is of a bright silver-colour, gradually

n

OCEANIC FLYING-FISH. 145

deepening into purplish brown on the back : the
pectoral fins are dusky, the dorsal and anal yellow-
ish, and the ventral fins and tail reddish. It is a
native of the American and Indian seas, but is
occasionally observed, like the former, in the Medi-
terranean. Mr. Pennant records an instance of its
being seen about the British coasts.

Dr. Bloch quotes, from Plumier, a very remark-
able circumstance relative to the Flying-Fish : viz.
that the spawn is of a quality so highly acrimoni-
ous, that the smallest particle cannot be tasted with-
out an immediate partial excoriation of the tongue
and palate. It is not certain however, from the
account of Plumier to which particular species this
acrimonious spawn belongs.

The air-bladder in this, and doubtless in the rest
of the genus, is very large, and consequently well
calculated for occasionally diminishing the specific
gravity of the animal : there is also, according to
Bioch. a peculiar kind of membrane on the sides of
the mouth, which have the power, by their junction,
of closing that part, even though the jaws be open,
when air is blown into it through the aperture of
the gill-covers, and this he imagines may still
further contribute to the remarkable power of flight
possessed by this genus, which has often been con-
sidered, and especially by the celebrated Bonnet,
in his scale of Nature, as forming a kind of con-
necting link between Fishes and Birds, similar to
that which the Bats may be supposed to form be-
tween Birds and Quadrupeds.

v. v. P. i. 10

146

AMERICAN FLYING-FISH.

Exocoetus Mesogaster. E. argenteo-ccerulesccns, pinnis centra*

libits in media abdominis.
Silvery-blueish Flying-Fish, with the ventral fins situated on

the middle of the abdomen.
Exocoetus pinnis ventralibus in aequilibrio. Bloch. t. 399.

ALLIED in the highest degree to the immediately
preceding as to general appearance, but differs in
the size and situation of the ventral fins, which in
this species are placed exactly in the middle of the
abdomen, and are moderately large, and of a rounded
form. The colour of the fish is bright silvery, with
a dusky tinge on the back : the fins arc blueish,
the dorsal and anal somewhat less shallow than
those of the two preceding species. Native of the
Atlantic ocean : observed by Plimiier about the
coasts of the Antilles.

COMMERSONIAN FLYINC-1 IS!!.

Exocoetus Commersonii. E. macula atroccrrvku in pinna dorsali.
Flying-Fish with a dark- blue spot on the dorsal fin.
Exocoetus Commersonii. Cepcde. 5. p. 401.

ALLIED to the E. evolans, but with the ventral
fins placed beyond the middle of the abdomen,
their tips reaching to about the middle of the anal
fin : the dorsal fin is marked, on the part nearest
the tail, with a large deep-blue spot. Native of
the Indian seas : observed by Commerson.

lid

POLYNEMUS. POLYNEME.

Generic Character.

Caput compressum, undique
squamosum, rostro ob-
tusissimo, prominente.

Membr : branch : radiis
quinque vel septem.

Digiti liberi setacei ad
pinnas pectorales.

Head compressed, covered
with scales : snout very
obtuse and prominent.

Gill-membrane five or seven-
rayed.

Separate Filaments or seta-
ceous processes near the
base of the pectoral fins.

PARADISE POLYNEME.

Polynemus Paradiseus. P. luteus, digitis utrinque septem, cauda

bifida.
Yellow Polyneme, with seven filaments on each side,, and

forked tail.
Polynemus Paradiseus. P. digitis septem, cauda bifida. Lint

Syst. Nat. p. 522.

The Fish of Paradise. Edw. vol. 4. /»/. 208.
Polynemus radiis septem jugularibus, pinna caudae bifurca. ?

Block, t. 402.

JL HE geiuis Polynemus may be considered as
holding the same station among the Abdomi-
nal Fishes which the genus Trigla does among
the Thoracic ones ; being distinguished by a simi-
lar circumstance, viz. that of being furnished on
each side, near the base of the pectoral fins, with

148 PARADISE POLYNEME.

several separate processes or articulated rays : these
are, in general, much longer and more setaceous
than in the Trigla*, and, in some species, even
exceed the length of the whole body. The species
of Polyncme are not very numerous, and are chiefly
confined to the warmer latitudes.

The Polynemus Paradiseus or Mango-Fish, as it
is generally called, which seems to have been one
of the first of the genus known to the Europeans,
is an inhabitant of the Indian and American seas,
and grows to the length of about twelve or fifteen
inches : it is a fish of an elegant shape, moderately
broad in the middle, and gradually tapering to-
wards the tail, which is very deeply forked : the
scales are of moderate size, those towards the head
and tail smaller than the rest : the thoracic fila-
ments are of excessive length, the superior or out-
ward ones often extending far beyond the tail ; the
others gradually shorten, the first or lowermost ex-
tending about half the length of the body. The
colour of this fish is generally described as yellow,
and its popular name of Mango-Fish is supposed
to have been givea it from that circumstance, as
resembling the colour of a ripe Mango. Dr. Bloch
however describes his specimen as of a silvery cast,
with a tinge of blue on the upper parts : this may
have been owing to a change of colour on being
kept for a considerable time in spirits : the fila-
ments also in Dr. Bloch's specimen seem to have
met with some accidental mutilation, since they
are far short of the length usually represented by
other authors. Dr. Russel, in his work on the

SEBAN POLYNEME. 14Q

Indian fishes, informs us that the Mango-Fish is
reckoned by much the most delicate of any found
at Calcutta. It is known to the natives by the
name of Tupsee Mutchey.

SEBAN POLYNEME.

Polynemus Quinquarius. P. digitis quinque, corpore tongioribm.

Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 521.

Polyneme with five filaments longer than the body.
Pentanemus. Scb. mm. 3. 27'/- 2.

EXTREMELY allied in general appearance to the
Paradise Polyneme, resembling it in almost all
particulars except in colour, which is described by
Seba as whitish or silvery, and in the number of
thoracic processes, which are only five' on each
side ; the three superior ones far exceeding the
length of the whole fish ; the two inferior reaching
to about a third of the body. Native of the Ame-
rican seas : perhaps, in reality, no other than a
variety, or sexual difference of the preceding fish.

150

PLEBEIAN POLYNEME.

Polynemus Plebeius. P. griseus, lineis supra longitudmalibua

subnigris, digitis utrinque quinquc, pinnis basi squamosis, cauda

furcala.
Grey Polyneme, marked above by longitudinal blackish lines,

with five thoracic filaments on each side, all the fins scaly at

the base, and forked tail.
Polynemus radiis quinque curtis liberisque jugularibus. Bloc/i.

#.400.
Polynemus plebelus. Brouss. ichth. fasc. 1. Lin. Gmcl. p.

1401.

GENERAL appearance that of a Mullet, but with
the head very obtuse in front, the mouth appearing
as if placed beneath : colour silvery-grey, with a
dusky tinge on the upper parts, and several dusky
lines running from head to tail above the lateral
line : scales rather large : all the fins scaly to some
distance from the base : tail forked : thoracic fila-
ments five, in number on each side : the first of
these is said by Gmelin to exceed the length of the
body, the rest decreasing gradually : in Dr. Bloch's
figure however, they are all represented as com-
paratively short, scarcely reaching half the length
of the body, and he forms his specific character of
the fish from this very circumstance, distinguishing
it by the shortness of the filaments. It must how-
ever be obvious to every one that in a particular of
this nature no great dependance can be placed on
descriptions made from an individual specimen,
which may have easily met with some accidental
mutilation of these delicate organs.

NILOTIC POLYNEME. 151

This species is a native of the Indian and Ameri-
can seas, and is found about the coasts of several of
the Southern Islands : it arrives at a very large
size, measuring upwards of four feet in length. It
is considered as an excellent fish for the table, and
is in much esteem among the inhabitants of the
Malabar coast : it is dressed in various ways, and
is sometimes dried and salted for sale. Dr. Bloch
informs us on the authority of a correspondent on
whom he could rely, that this fish is commonly
known in India by the title of Royal Fish, on ac-
count of its excellency, and laments that Broussonet
(who seems to have named it from its want of parti-
cular splendor) should have given it the title of P.
plebeius.

NILOTIC POLYNEME.

Polynemus Niloticus. P. argenteus, digit is utrmque quinquc

mediocribits, naso subrulente.
Silvery Polyneme, with five moderately long thoracic filaments

on each side, and reddish snout.
Binni. Bruce's Travels. Appendix.

THIS, according to Mr. Bruce, who describes and
figures it in the Appendix to his travels, is a large
species, and may vie, for the elegance both of its
form and taste, with any fish inhabiting the rivers
running either into the Mediterranean or the
Ocean. The specimen from which Mr. Brace's
figure was taken weighed thirty-two pounds, but is
said often to arrive at the weight of seventy pounds

152 NILOTIC POLYNEMR.

or more. It is an. inhabitant of the river Nile,
where it is by no means uncommon, as far up the
river as Syene and the first cataract : the whole
body is covered with scales of a brilliant silver-
colour, so as to resemble spangles lying close to-
gether ; and there is no variety of tinge on the
fish, except a shade of red on the end of the nose,
which is fat and fleshy : the eye is large and black,
with a broad yellowish-white iris : the teeth are
small, very sharp, and close-set : the first dorsal fin
has eight spiny rays, the first of which is very short :
the second dorsal fin has eleven soft or branched
rays: the pectoral and ventral fins are also furnished
with rays of a similar kind : the setaceous processes
are five in number on each side, gradually lengthen-
ing as they recede from the mouth ; the last appear-
ing nearly to equal half the length of the body :
the tail is deeply and sharply forked, the upper
lobe extending somewhat beyond the lower.

We are informed by Mr. Bruce that in order to
take this fish the Egyptian peasants prepare a
pretty large mass or cake, consisting of oil, clay,
flour, honey, and straw, kneading it with their feet
till it is well incorporated : they then take two
handfuls of dates, and break them into pieces about
the size of the point of a finger, and stick them in
different parts o£the mass, into the heart of which
they put seven or eight hooks with elates upon
them, and a string of strong whipcord to each :
this mass of paste is then conveyed by the fisher-
man or shepherd into the stream, the man sitting
for this purpose on a blown-up goat-skin. When

NILOTIC POLYNEME. 153

arrived at the middle, he drops the mass in the
deepest part of the stream, and cautiously holding
the ends of each of the strings slack, so as not to
pull the dates and hooks out of the middle of the
composition, he makes to shore again, a little below
the spot where he has sunk the mass, and separat-
ing the ends of the strings, ties each of them, with-
out straining, to a palm-branch fastened on the
shore, to the end of which is fastened a small bell.
He then goes and feeds his cattle, or digs his
trenches, or lies down to sleep : in the mean time
the cake, beginning to dissolve, the small pieces of
date fall off, and flowing down the stream, are
eagerly seized on by the fishes as they pass : they
rush up the stream, picking up the floating pieces
as they go, till at length they arrive at the cake
itself, and voraciously falling to work at the dates
which are buried in it, each fish in swallowing a
date, swallows also the hook in it, and feeling him-
self fast, makes off as speedily as possible : the con-
sequence is that in endeavouring to escape from
the line by which he is held, he pulls the palm-
branch to which it is fastened, and thus gives
notice of his capture by ringing the bell. The
fisherman runs, and having secured the fish, puts a
strong iron ring through his jaw ; ties a few yards
of cord to it, and again commits him to the water,
fastening the cord well to the shore. This is prac-
tised in order to presesve the fish ready for sale,
since fish in general, when dead, will not keep long
in these regions. It is rarely that on these occasions
a single hook is found empty. The inhabitants of

154 TEN-FINGERED POLYNEME.

the towns of Achmim, Girge, and others, repair at
intervals to the shores as to a fish-market, and are
thus supplied by the country people.

TEN-PINGERED POLYNEME,

Polynemus Decadactylus. P. argenteo-fascvs, cap'itc obtusissimo,

oculis muxiwis, digit is utrinque dccoi>, cauda furcata.
Silvery-brown Polyneme, with very obtuse head, very large

eyes, ten shortish thoracic filaments on each side, and forked

tail.
Polynemus decadactylus. P. ratlns dcccm liberis jitgularibus.

Block, t. 401.

THIS is a species of considerable size, generally
measuring from one to two feet : its colour is an
uniform deep yellowish brown, darker on the back,
and glossed with silver on the sides and abdomen,
the silvery tinge appearing like a spot or patch on
the middle of each scale : the head is abruptly
rounded off in front, so as to appear excessively
obtuse : the eyes are very large, with a bright
silvery iris : the mouth of moderate width, and the
tongue smooth and loose : the thoracic filaments
are ten in number on each side, and of very mode-
rate length, extending only a few inches : the tail
is deeply forked.

This species is a native of the African seas, and
is not uncommon about the coasts of Guinea, oc-
casionally entering the rivers of that country, and is
considered as a wholesome and agreeable fish for
the table.

155

INDIAN POLYNEME.

Polynemus Indicus. P. plumbeus, nbdomine dlbido atomis nigris,

digitis utrinque quinque br&misculis, cauda falcato-furcata

squamosa.
Lead-coloured Polyneme, with whitish abdomen freckled with

black points, five rather short thoracic filaments on each

side, and falcate-forked scaly tail.
Maga Booshee. Russel Pise. Tnd. t. 184.

LENGTH sixteen or eighteen inches: shape some-
what lengthened : scales middle-sized, covering not
only the body and head, but also the tail itself to
the very extremity of the forks : thoracic processes
five in number on each side, the upper or longest
reaching nearly half the length of the body, the
rest gradually shortening to about the length of an
inch and half: snout obtusely-acuminate : fins dark
or blackish ; eyes rather large. Native of the
Indian seas : in much esteem for the table, and
•called by the English RowbalL

FOUR-FINGERED POLYNEME.

Polynemus Tetradactylus. P. fusco-ccerukus, subtus cams,
digitis utrinque quatuor brevibus, cauda furcata squamosa.

Dusky-blue Polyneme, grey beneath, with four short thoracic
filaments on each side, and scaly, forked tail.

Maga Jellee. Russel. Pise. Ind. t. 183.

SIZE and habit of a Common Mullet : colour
dusky blue above, and grey beneath : behind the
orbits a lunated yellow spot : scales middle-sized :

156 COMMERSON'S POLYNEME.

tail forked, but less deeply than in the preceding
species, and covered with scales to the edge of the
fin : thoracic processes on each side four in number,
and remarkably short, scarce exceeding the length
of an inch and half. Native of India ; esteemed
for the table, and, like the former, called Rowball
by the English.

VIRGINIAN POLYNEME.

Polynemus Virginicus. P. digit is sept em, cauda Integra. Lin.

Syst. Nat. p. 1400.
Polyneme with seven thoracic filaments on each side, and

entire tail.

GILL-COVERS serrated : first ray of the dorsal fin
very short : tail broad and with sharp-pointed tips :
native of Virginia, and sometimes, like the Polyne-
mus Paradiseus, called by the name of Mango-
Fish.

COMMERSON'S POLYNEME.

Polynemus Commersonii. P. argentcus, lineis longitudinalibus

fuscis, digit is utrinque quinquc ad pinna* rent rales cxtensis.
Silvery Polyneme, with longitudinal brown stripes, and five

thoracic filaments on each side reaching as far as the ventral

fins.
Polynemus lineatus. Cepede. 5. p. 40Q.

LENGTH about ten or twelve inches : colour
silvery, with a blueish cast on the upper parts, and
marked on each side from head to tail by about

PLUMIER'S POLYNEME. 157

twelve brown stripes : snout semitransparent and
produced : both jaws furnished with small teeth,
and the throat with four rough bones or tubercles :
thoracic filaments five on each side, reaching as far
as the ventral fins. Native of the Indian seas :
observed by Commerson.

PLUMIER'S POLYNEME.

Polynemus Plumieri. P. argenteus, digitis utrinque sex.
Silvery Polyneme with six thoracic filaments on each side.
Polydactylus Plumieri. Cepcde. 5. p. 418.

NATIVE of the American seas : mentioned by
Cepede from a drawing by Plumier : shape rather
deeper or broader than in most of the genus : scales
middle-sized : eyes large : thoracic filaments of
nearly equal length, and" reaching rather farther
than the middle of the body: tail large and widely
lunated.

CLUPEA. HERRING.

Generic Character.

Mystaces maxillarum supe-

riorum scrrati.
Membr : branch ; radiis

octo. Branchiae intus

setacea?.
Abdomen acutum, sirpius

carinatum.

Side -Plates of the upper

mandible serrated.
Gill-membrane eight-rayed :

gills internally setaceous.

Abdomen sharp, and, gene-
rally, serrated.

COMMON HERRING.

Clupea Harengus. C. argentca, dorso subfusco, maxilla infer lore

longiore, squamis facile deciduis.
Silvery Herring, with dusky back, lower jaw longer than the

upper, and easily deciduous scales.
Clupea Harengus. C. immaculata, maxilla inferior e longiore.

Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 522.
Clupea maxilla inferiore longiore, pinnae ani radiis septendecim.

Block, t. 29./. 1.
British Herring. Penn. Brit. Zool.

A HIS fish, so eminently important in a com-
mercial view, and which may justly be said to form
one of the wonders of the northern world, is princi-
pally distinguished by the brilliant silvery colour of
its body, the advancement of the lower jaw beyond
the upper, and by the number of rays in the anal

n

Q

Q

3

w

COMMON HERRING. 15()

«fin, which, iii by far the greater number of speci-
mens, are found to amount to seventeen * : the
back is of a dusky blue or greenish cast, and in
the recent or living fish the gill-covers are marked
by a reddish, and sometimes by a violet-coloured
spot : the eyes are large; the mouth without visible
teeth ; the openings of the gill-covers very large ;
the scales rather large, and easily deciduous; the
lateral line not very distinctly visible ; the abdo-
men pretty sharply carinated, and in some speci-
mens, slightly serrated : the fins are rather small
than large for the size of the fish, and the tail
strongly forked. In size the Herring is observed
to vary greatly, and there are probably some per-
manent varieties of this species which yet want
their exact description. The general size is per-
haps from ten to twelve or thirteen inches.

Important as is this fish to the inhabitants of
modern Europe, it is doubted whether it was
distinctly known to the ancient Greeks and Ro-
mans: at least we find no certain description in
their writings either of its form or uses. The herring
fishery however is of very considerable antiquity :
the Dutch are said to have engaged in it so long
ago as the year 11 64, and were in possession of it
for several centuries, and Flanders had the honour
of discovering the method of preserving this fish by
pickling it. One William Beukelen, of Biervlct,
near Sluys, is said to have been the inventor of this

* Mr. Pennant says fourteen : the number indeed is not abso-
lutely constant, but the most general appears to b<? seventeen.

] 60 COMMON HERRING.

useful expedient, and from him, according to Mr.
Pennant, is derived the word pickle, which we have
borrowed from the Dutch and Germans. Beukelin
died in the year 13Q7. The Emperor Charles the
fifth is said to have held his memory in such venera-
tion for the service he had done mankind, as to
have paid a solemn visit to his tomb in honour of
so distinguished a citizen. " The Dutch (says Mr.
Pennant) are most extravagantly fond of this fish
when pickled ; a premium is given to the first vessel
that arrives in Holland laden with this their am-
brosia : we have been in the country at that happy
minute, and have observed as much joy among the
inhabitants on its arrival as the Egyptians shew at
the first overflowing of the Nile." *

Mr. Pennant, in his British Zoology, has so well
detailed the general history of the Herring, and its
supposed migrations, that it is impossible to do
better than to repeat his own words.

" The great winter rendezvous of the Herring is
within the Arctic circle : there they continue many
months in order to recruit themselves after the
fatigue of spawning, the seas within that space
swarming with insect food in a far greater degree
than in our warmer latitudes.

" This mighty army begins to put itself in motion
in the spring: we distinguish this vast body by
that name, for the word Herring is derived from
the German, Heer, an army, to express their
numbers.

" They begin to appear off the Shetland isles in
April and May : these are only forerunners of the

COMMON HERRING. 101

grand shoal which comes in June, and their appear-
ance is marked by certain signs, by the numbers of
birds, such as Gannets and others, which follow to
prey on them : but when the main body approaches,,
its breadth and depth is such as to alter the very
appearance of the ocean. It is divided into distinct
columns of five or six miles in length and three or
four in breadth, and they drive the water before
them with a kind of rippling : sometimes they sink
for the space of ten or fifteen minutes ; then rise
again to the surface, and in bright weather reflect
a variety of splendid colours, like a field of the most
precious gems, in which, or rather in a much more
valuable light, should this stupendous gift of Pro-
vidence be considered by the inhabitants of tliQ
British isles.

" The first check this army meets in its march
southward, is from the Shetland isles, which divide
it into two parts ; one wing takes to the east, the.
other to the western shores of Great Britain, and
fill every bay and creek with their numbers : others
pass on towards Yarmouth, the great and ancient
mart of Herrings : they then pass through the Brit-
ish channel, and after that, in a manner disappear :
those which take to the west, after offering them-
selves to the Hebrides, where the great stationary
fishery is, proceed towards the North of Ireland,
where they meet with a second interruption, and
are obliged to make a second division : the one
takes to the western side, and is scarce perceived,
being soon lost in the immensity of the Atlantic ;
but the other, which passes intp the Irish sea, re-

v, v. P« i. 11

COMMON HERRING.

joices and feeds the inhabitants of the coasts that
border it.

" These brigades, as we may call them, which are
thus separated from the greater columns, are often
capricious in their movements, and do not shew an
invariable attachment to their haunts."

The reality of the migration of the Herring, so
well detailed by Mr. Pennant, begins at present to
be greatly called in question ; and it is rather sup-
posed that this fish, like the Mackrel, is in reality
at no very great distance during the winter months
from the shores which it most frequents at the com-
mencement of the spawning season ; inhabiting in
winter the deep recesses of the ocean, or plunging
itself beneath the soft mud at the bottom ; but at
the vernal season it begins to quit the deeper parts,
and approach the shallows in order to deposit its
spawn in proper situations ; and this is thought a
sufficient explanation of the glittering myriads
which at particular seasons illumine the surface of
the ocean for the length and breadth of several
miles at once*. As a proof of this Dr. Bloch ob-
serves that Herrings are in reality found at almost
all seasons of the year about some of the European
coasts, and that the northern voyages, supposed by
Pennant and others, are impracticable in the short
period assigned by naturalists ; the fish, in its
swiftest progress being utterly incapable of moving
at so rapid a rate as this migration necessarily sup-

* Herrings spawn at different seasons j some in spring, somfc
in summer, and some in autumn.

fcOMMON HERRLYG.

poses. For these and other reasons Dr. Bloch is
inclined to believe the long voyage of the Herring
to exist only in the minds of its describers.

Among the principal enemies of this fish may be
numbered the various species of Whales*, some of
which are observed to pursue large shoals, and to
swallow them in such quantities, that in the stomach
of a single whale no less than six hundred herrings
are said to have been found. Besides the whale,
various species of marine birds of prey are per-
petually assailing them either on the water or from
above. The Herring itself is supposed to feed
principally on sea-insects and the smaller kind of
marine worms.

Exclusive of the various methods of preparing
this fish for sale in different countries, a great
quantity of oil is drawn from it, forming a great
and important commercial article among the north-
ern nations, and particularly among the Swedes.

* Particularly a Whale called the Nord-Caper, a very swift
animal of the Ore tribe.

1(54

PILCHARD.

Clupea Pilchardus. C. argentca, dorso subfusco, squamis magma

arete iiifixis.
Silvery Herring, witli dusky back, and large, strongly adherent

scales.

Pilchard. Will, ichth. p. 223. Penn. Brit. Zool
Clupea Pilchardus. Block, t. 406.

THE Pilchard is very nearly allied in general
appearance to the Herring, but is of a somewhat
thicker or less compressed form, with the back
more elevated and the belly less sharp ; the nose
rather shorter in proportion and turning upwards,
and the under jaw shorter : the scales are consider-
ably larger than in the Herring, and are pretty
strongly fixed; those of the Herring on the contrary
being very easily displaced. A still more remark-
able difference consists in the situation of the dorsal
fin, which is placed exactly in the centre of gravity,
so that when the fish is taken up by it the body
preserves an equilibrium ; whereas if the Herring
be taken up by the same part the head will be
pbserved to dip considerably : to these differences
it may be added that the Pilchard is in general of
inferior size to the Herring, and rarely measures
more than about eight inches in length : its colour
is bright silvery, with a green or blueish cast on
the upper parts. It is a fish which seems to have
escaped the notice of many ichthyologists, by whom
it has been confounded with the Herring, or at
most considered as a variety of that species. Its

SHAD. 105

general habits seem to resemble those of the Her-
ring, and it appears in almost equal plenty about
several of the European coasts, particularly about
those of the southern parts of our own island, where
it is taken in vast quantities. The numbers, says
Mr. Pennant, from the attestation of Dr. Borlace,
that are taken at one shooting out of the nets is
amazingly great. On the fifth of October 1767
there were at one time included in St. Ives's bay
7000 hogsheads, each hogshead containing 35000
fish, in all 24000000.

The Pilchard, according to Mr. Pennant, usually
appears in vast shoals off the Cornish coasts about
the middle of July, disappearing in the beginning
of winter, though a few return again after Christ-
mas : their winter retreat, the same author observes,
is supposed to be the same with that of the Herring.

SHAD.

Clupea Alosa. C. argentea, dorso subfusco, abdomine squamis

dilatatis carinato.
Silvery Herring, with dusky back, and abdomen carinated with

dilated scales.
Clupea Alosa. C. lateribus nigro maculatis, rostro bifido. Lin,

Syst. Nat. p. 523.

Clupba maculis nigris utrinque. Block, t. 30. f. 1.
. Brit. Zool.

THIS species resembles the Pilchard in general
appearance, but is of much larger size, much thinner
or flatter in"proportion, and is farther distinguished
by the scales on the lower part of the abdomen,

166 SHAD.

which are dilated on each side into a kind of lamina?,
the bottom forming a sharp carina down the belly :
the colour of the body is bright silver, inclining to
dusky on the back, and marked On each side, at a
small distance from the gills, by four or five or more
rounded black spots, of which the first or that
nearest the gills is the largest : the scales are rather
large : the upper lip is divided by a deep incisure
on the lower part : the fins are of a blueish tinge,
the tail forked, and marked on each side the base
by a subtriangular dusky patch : the lateral line
runs nearly strait from the gills to the tail : on each
side the abdomen, at the base of the ventral fins, is
a small pointed appendage or process.

This fish is a native of the Mediterranean and
Northern seas, and, like the Salmon, ascends rivers
at particular seasons, for the purpose of depositing
its spawn, being found, according to Bloch in the
Rhone in the month of March, and in the Volga,
the Rhine, and the Elbe in April. It is observed
to deposit its spawn in the deepest part of the
river, and towards autumn returns again to the
sea. It grows to the length of two or three feet.
It is generally observed to be poor and meagre
when it first quits the sea, but grows fatter the
longer it continues in fresh water. Like the Her-
ring, it dies almost immediately after being taken
out of the water, and is supposed to feed chiefly on
worms, insects, and young fish.

According to Mr. Pennant the Shad is found in
greater perfection in the Severn than in any other
British river, making its first appearance in April

SPRAT. 1 67

or May, according to the temperature of the season.
The Thames Shad, according to the same author,
does not appear till the latter end of May or begin-
ning of June, and is esteemed but a coarse and
insipid fish. It seems to be subject to some variety:
is not always marked by the black spots mentioned
in the specific character ; and is sometimes seen ol
a dusky and sometimes of a cupreous or rufous
tinge.

SPRAT.

Clupea Sprattus. C. argenteaj dorso subfusco, maxilla inferiors

longiore, abdomine serrato.
Silvery Herring, with brownish back, lower jaw longer than

the upper, and serrated addomen.
Clupea Sprattus. C. maxilla inferiore longiore, pinna; ani radiis

septendedm. Block, t. 2Q.f. 2.

Clupea Sprattus. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 523. «

La Sardine. Duham. 2. p. 418.
Sprat. Penn. Brit. Zool.

So much allied to the Herring in almost all
points except in size as to have been frequently
considered as the young of that fish : indeed the
differences are, at first view, so slight, that it is
not very easy to form a true speciiic character.
Mr, Pennant observes that the chief difference
consists in the abdomen, which in the Sprat is
strongly serrated : he adds that the vertebrae in the
back bone of the Sprat are forty-eight in number,
but in that of the Herring fifty-six : the back fin is
placed more remote from the head tbau in the

l68 ANCHOVY.

Herring, and is, in general, furnished with about
sixteen or seventeen rays*.

The Sprat, says Mr. Pennant, appears in the
river Thames, below bridge, in the beginning of
November, and leaves it in March, and during its
appearance is a great relief to the poor of the
Capital. At Gravcsend and Yarmouth Sprats are
cured like red Herrings, and are sometimes pickled,
being in that state little inferior to the Anchovy,
though the bones will noi: dissolve as in thai fish.
Like the Herring and the- Pilchard the Sprat often
visits the coasts of the Mediterranean and Northern
seas in prodigious shoals, and usually spawns in
autumn in the deeper parts of the coast.

ANCHOVY.

Clupea Encrasicolus. ('. argcntea, dorso subfusco, maxilla

superiore /ongiore.
Silvery Herring, with dusky back, and upper jaw longer than

the lower.
Clupea Encrasicolus. C. maxilla superiore longiorc. Lin. Syst.

Nat. p. />23 .
Clupea maxilla superiore prominente, rictu amplo. Block, t.

30. /. 2.
Anchovy. Will, ichth. 225. Pcnn. Brit. Zool.

THE general length of this species is from three
to four inches, but it is sometimes seen of the length
of six inches and upwards : it is of a somewhat

* There appears to be some mistake on this subject in the
Systema Naturae ; the specific character announcing thirteen
rays, while in the note annexed the number is seventeen.

ANCHOVY. 169

lengthened form, and is covered with large thin,
and easily deciduous scales: the eyes are large, the
upper jaw considerably longer than the lower, and
the tongue doubly ciliated on each side : the back
is of a dusky greenish cast,, with a degree of trans-
parency ; the abdomen smooth, and the tail forked.
The Anchovy is found in great plenty in the Me-
diterranean, Northern, and Atlantic seas, and like
the Herring, is supposed to leave at particular
periods the deep recesses of the ocean, and to seek
the shallower parts for the purpose of depositing
its spawn: this commences at the vernal season
and continues for a verv considerable time. The

4/

great fishery for Anchovies is said to be at Gor-
gona, a small isle to the west of Leghorn. They
are taken in vast quantities, and prepared for sale
by salting and pickling : the bones dissolve entirely
in boiling, which renders this species so peculiarly
convenient in the preparation of various sauces,
&c. It is supposed to have been well known to
the ancient Greeks and Romans, who prepared
from it one kind of Garum or condiment for their
tables, though the principal article of that name is
rather thought to have been prepared from other
fishes.

170

MALABAR HERRING.

Clupea Malabarica. C. albo-ccemkscens, maxilla inferiore curva,

squomis niagnis, abdomine scrrntu.
Blueish-white Herring, with curved lower jaw, large scales^

and serrated abdomen.
Clupea Malabarica. C. maxilla inferiore cun'a. Bloclt. t. 432.

LENGTH about twelve inches : shape like that of
the common Herring, but deeper : colour white,
slightly shaded with pale blue on the edges of the
scales : head and back brownish: head rather large
and short : lower jaw a trifle longer than the upper,
and turning up : lips or side-plates pretty strongly
serrated : tins pale, or whitish : the anal fin shallow,
but of greater extent than in most of this genus :
tail forked : lateral line nearer the back than the
abdomen. Native of the Indian seas, and observed
about the coasts of Malabar, but in no esteem as a
food, and only occasionally eaten by the lowest
orders.

AFRICAN HERRING.

Clupea Africana. C. argentea, dorso olivaceo, abdomine scrrato,

pi/mis ventralibtu mini-mis.
Silvery Herring, with olivaceous back, serrated abdomen, and

very small ventral fins.
Clupea Africana. C. pinna ani longa, maxilla inferiore longiore.

Block, t. 407.

LENGTH a foot : shape much deeper than that of
the common Herring, and rather approaching to

CHINESE HERRING. 171

that of a Carp : body much compressed, with the
abdomen very sharp, and strongly serrated or cari-
nated as far as the vent by dilated scales, as in the
Shad : colour silvery, with a dusky blueish tinge on
the upper parts : orbits of the eyes serrated beneath :
scales moderately large : lateral line nearer the
back than the abdomen, and slightly curving : fins
pale; anal shallow and of still greater extent than
in the preceding species : ventral fins so very small
as to bear the appearance of mere rudiments or
slightly expanded processes on that part : tail
forked. Native of the African seas, and said to be
extremely plentiful during the summer months
about the coasts of Guine*a.

CHINESE HERRING.

Clupea Sinensis. C. argentea, dor so subviolaceo,
serratO) pinnisflavis, dorsaH caudaque fiigro marginatis.

Silvery Herring, with subviolaceous back, serrated abdomen,
and yellow fins, the dorsal fin and tail edged with black.

Clupea Sinensis. C. ore edentulo, radio infirno brajichioiiegceque
truncato. Block, t. 405.

LENGTH ten or twelve inches : shape deeper than
that of the preceding, and the abdomen compressed
and sharply serrated, or carinated by dilated scales
as far as the vent : colour silvery, brownish above,
and marked by several obscure longitudinal yellow-
ish stripes : head small and short : eyes large :
mouth small : scales large : fins yellowish white,
the dorsal marked at the base and along the edge

172 THRISSA HERRING.

by a black band : tail forked, and terminated with
a broad black band. Native of the Indian and
American seas, and sometimes found in rivers : in
considerable esteem as an edible fish.

THRISSA HERRING.

Clupea Thrissa. C. argcnteo-cccruksccns, pinnis pectoralibus

ritbris, radio ultimo pinnae dorsalis clongato.
Silvery-blueish Herring, with red pectoral fins, and the last

ray of the dorsal fin elongated.
Clupea Thrissa. C. pinna ani radiis -ciginti-octo, dorsalis radio

posfmno sctaccn. Liit. Syst. Nat. p. 524.
C, radio ultimo dorsali elongato, pinna ani recto. Lloch. t.

LENGTH about twelve inches : shape of the body
deep, the abdomen projecting considerably, and
being serrated beneath, but without any dilatation
on the sides of the scales : colour blueish silvery,
with a dusky cast on the back: head small: mouth
small: scales large: lateral line running nearly strait
from gills to tail : dorsal fin slightly scaled at the
base, and terminated behind or at the shallowest
part by a very long single ray, extending nearly as
far as the base of the tail, which is strongly forked :
all the fins blueish, except the pectoral, which are
red. Native of the American seas : observed by
Plumier: inhabits rivers at the spawning season,
and deposits its eggs among aquatic plants, &c.

1/3

GIANT HERRING.

Clupea Gigantea. C. argent eo-c&rulescens clongata, aldomim
roseo, squamis subhexagonis, radio ultimo pinnae dor* alls elongato,

Silvery-blueish elongated Herring, with rose-coloured abdo-
men, subhexagonal scales, and the last ray of the dorsal fin
elongated.

Clupea cyprinoides.

C. radio ultimo dorsali longissimo, pinna ani lunata. Block. fc
403.

THIS is a species of very large size, arriving some*
times, according to Marcgrave, at the length of
twelve feet, and having a mouth of sufficient width
to receive a man's head : the general shape of the
fish is not unlike that of a Pike : the lower jaw is
longer than the upper, and the lips or side-plates
pretty strongly curved: the eyes moderately large:
the scales very large, and approaching to a slightly
hexagonal form : the general colour is a silvery blue,
tinged with dusky on the back, and with rose-colour
on the abdomen, which is smooth or not serrated :
the dorsal fin is distinguished by the same particu-
larity as in the Clupea Thrissa, being slightly scaled
at the base, and terminating behind in a strong
and greatly lengthened ray, arching over the lower
part of the back, and reaching almost to the base
of the tail, which, as in the former species, is strongly
forked : all the fins are of a pale blue colour. This
gigantic species is a native of the Indian and Ame-
rican seas : it is not much esteemed as a table fish,
except when young, the flesh of the larger ones
being coarse and insipid.

174

SILVER-STRIPED HERRING.

Clupea Atherinoides. C. fusca, fascia utrinque longitudimili

argcntea,
Brown Herring, marked on each side by a longitudinal silvery

band.

Chrpea atherinoides. C. linea laterali argcntea. Lin. Syst. Nat.
Clupea stria longitudinal! argentea. Bloc/i. t. 40S./. 1.

LENGTH about ten inches : shape lengthened,
and the habit or general appearance greatly re-
sembling that of an Atherine : colqur brown, with
a broad and well defined silvery band running from
the gills to the tail : scales large : abdomen cari-
nated as far as the vent by a series of dilated scales :
snout obtuse : upper jaw longer than the lower :
dorsal fin placed at some distance beyond the
middle of the back : tail lunated : anal fin shallow
and of considerable extent : ventral fins very small.
Native of the Indian and American seas, and some-
times found in those of Europe.

BRISTLED-JAWED HERRING.

Clupea Setirostris. C. maxilla: superiorly ossiculis lateralibus
setaceis, pinna ani radiis triginti duobus. Lin. Grtiel.p. 140/.
Brousson. ichth.fasc. 1. t. 11.

Clupea Bealama. Fors/c. Arab. p. 72.

Herring with the lateral bones of the upper jaw terminating in
a setaceous process.

SHAPE lanceolate : colour silvery, tinged with
blue above: head shorts mouth wide : scales ob-

TUBERCULATED HERRING. 17 j

scurely rhomboid, deciduous, and disposed in ob-
liquely imbricated rows : fins grey : tail forked :
native of the Indian and Red seas.

DORAB HERRING.

Clupea Dorab. C. pinnis ventmlibus minutis, labio superior^
dentibus porrectis bicorni, inferiori .longiori, dentibus validi-
oribuSy erectis. Lin. Gmel. Forsk. Arab.

Herring with minute pectoral fins, upper jaw horned by pro-
minent teeth, and lower furnished with strong upright teeth.

SHAPE linear: colour silvery, tinged with dusky
blue above : head flattish : upper jaw fiirnished in
front with exserted teeth, standing remote from
each other, and of which the two middle ones are
larger than the rest and very sharp : gill-covers
marked by rivular stripes : scales rounded arid de-
ciduous : dorsal fin placed considerably beyond
the middle of the back : ventral fins very small :
tail forked. Native of the Red Sea : observed by
Forskal.

TUBERCULATED HERRING.

Clupea Tuberculata. C. mandibula infcriore breviore, rostro
apice tuberculo verrucceformi, macula miniata ad superiores
branchiarum commissuras. Commerson. Cepede. 5. p. 460.

Herring with the lower jaw shorter than the upper, a wart-like
prominence on the snout, and a red spot at the upper com-
missures of the jaws.

A VERY small species : colour silvery, with a
slight tinge of blue above : mouth wide : dorsal fin

176 BANDED HERRING.

i

and tail rufous : scales easily deciduous : lateral
line wanting ; tail forked. Native of the Indian
seas : observed by Commerson : said to be an ex-
cellent table fish.

YELLOW-PINNED HERRING.

Clupea Chrysoptera. C. argon tea, supra cccrulco-nelulosa , pinnis

luteis, caudafurcata.
Silvery I Herring, clouded above with blue, with yellow fins,

and forked tail.
Clupea chrysoptera. Ccpcde. 5. p 460.

SIZE of a Sprat or very small Herring : colour
silveiy, clouded above with blue and white : head
shaped like that of an Anchovy : gill-covers of a
gilded cast : on each side the body a black spot :
all the fins yellow : tail forked. Native of the
Indian seas : observed by Commerson.

BANDED HERRING.

Clupea Fasciata. C. argentca, supra fasdis scmidecurrentibus

fuscis, subtus maculi.s rotundatis.
Silvery Herring, marked above by semidecurrent dusky bands,

and below by rounded spots.
Clupea fasciata. Cepede. 5. t. 460.

COLOUR silvery, marked above by several semi-
decurrent dusky bands; and beneath the lateral
line by several small rounded, spots : scales so de-
ciduous that the fish is often seen nearly naked ;
eyes very large : first ray of tl>e dorsal fin prolonged

LONG-HEADED HERRING. 177

into an extended filament : ventral fins placed
pretty near the thorax : tail forked. Native of the
Indian seas : observed by Commerson.

NASAL HERRING.

Clupea Nasus. C. argenteat dorso ccerulescente, rtaso obtuse,
^prominente, radio ultimo pinnce dorsalis elongato.

Silvery Herring with obtuse, prominent snout, and the last
ray of the dorsal fin elongated.

Clupea Nasus. C. maxilla superiors praminentCj fyc. Block, t.
42£.

LENGTH about seven or eight inches ; shape not
unlike that of a Carp : snout blunt, rounded, and
projecting, so that the mouth appears placed be-
neath : colour silvery, with a dusky blueish tinge
above : scales large and rounded ; dorsal fin of si-
milar shape with that of the C. Thrissa, and termin-
ated behind by a long filament : tail forked. Na-
tive of the Indian seas, and sometimes observed in
rivers : in no esteem as a food, being considered as
unwholesome.

LONG-HEADED HERRING.

Clupea Macrocephala, C. argentea, supra ccerulescens, capite
elongato, maxilla superiore longiore, pinnis rubentibus.

Silvery Herring, blueish above, with lengthened head, upper
jaw longer than the lower, and reddish fins.

Clupea macrocephala. Cepede. 5. p. 460.

SHAPE lengthened : head long, equalling about
a sixth of the whole fish : upper lip extending be-
v. v. P. i. 12

178 TROPICAL HERRING.

yond the lower : scales large and rounded : dorsal
fin placed rather beyond the middle of the back :
tail forked : colour of the whole fish silvery, with
the upper parts blue, and the fins reddish. De-
scribed by Cepede from a drawing by Plumier.
Native of the American seas.

TROPICAL HERRING.

Clupea Tropica. C. alba, abdowute. scrrato, cauda cunciformi.
White Herring, with serrated abdomen, and cuneiform tail.
Clupea tropica. C. cauda cunciformi. Lin. Syst. Nat.

SHAPE broad or carp-like : mouth wide : abdo-
men serrated: ^ill-covers coated with small scales:
lateral line strait, but nearer the back than the
abdomen : native of the Indian seas.

CYPRINUS. CARP.

Generic Character.

Os parvum, edentulum.

Dentes. guttu rales.
Membr : branch : triradiata.
Pinna ventrales ssepius no-

vemradiata\

Mouth small and toothless,
Teeth in the throat.

Gill-membrane three-ray ed .

Ventral fins, in general, nine-
rayed.

Of a broad or deep shape,

COMMON CARP.

Cyprinus Carpio. C. luteo-olivaceus, pinna dorsali lata, radio

tertio postice serrato.
Yellowish-olive Carp, with wide dorsal fin, with the third ray

serrated behind.
Cyprinus Carpio. C. pinna ani radiis novem, cirris quatucr,

pinnce dor salts radio secundo postice serrato. Lin. Systt Nat.

p. 525.
Carp. Will. Pennant. #c. #c.

T

HIS fish is a native of the Southern parts of
Europe, inhabiting lakes and small rivers, and differs
considerably in size and colour according to the
waters in which it is found. From the south of
Europe it has been gradually dispersed into the
more northern parts, and is said to have been in-
troduced into our own country about the year

180 COMMON CARP.

1514, and into Denmark in the year 156o. It
is said to decrease in size the farther it is re-
moved into a northern region. The usual length
of the Carp in our own country is from about
twelve to fifteen or sixteen inches ; but in warmer
climates it often arrives at the length of two, three,
or four feet, and the weight of twenty, thirty, or
even forty pounds. Its general colour is a yellowish
olive, much deeper or browner on the back, and
accompanied with a slightly gilded tinge on the
sides : the scales are large, rounded, and very dis-
tinct : the head is large, and the mouth furnished
on each side with a moderately long cirrus or beard,
and above the nostrils is a much smaller and shorter
pair.: the lateral line is slightly curved, and marked
by a row of blackish specks : the fins are violet-
brown, except the anal, which has a reddish tinge :
the dorsal fin is broad or continued to some distance
from the middle of the back towards the tail, which
is slightly forked, with rounded lobes.

The usual food of the Carp consists of worms
and water-insects : it is a fish so tenacious of life
that it may be kept for a very considerable time in
any damp place, though not immersed in water,
and it is said to be sometimes fattened with success
by being enveloped in wet moss, suspended in a
net, and fed at intervals with bread steeped in milk,
taking care to refresh the animal now and then by
throwing fresh water over the net in which it is
suspended.

The Carp is an extremely prolific fish, and the
quantity of roe is so great that it is said to have

COMMON CARP. 181

sometimes exceeded the weight of the emptied fish
itself when weighed against it.

The age to which the Carp arrives is very great,
and several well authenticated instances are adduced
of its arriving at that of considerably more than a
century at least. Many of those which were intro-
duced into the ponds at Versailles, &c. in the reign of
Lewis the fourteenth are either still in being, or at
least were so a very short time before the French
Revolution. Dr. Smith, in his Tour to the Continent,
mentions these, and observes that they were grown
white through age. Buffon assures us that he had
seen, in the fosses at Pontchartrain, carps which
were known to be of the age of an hundred and
fifty years. Others affirm that they have been
known to arrive at the age of two hundred years.

The Carp is commonly supposed to have been
introduced into this country so lately as the reign
of King Henry the eighth : it is however more
than probable that it must have been known at an
earlier period, since, as Mr. Pennant observes, it is
mentioned by Juliana Barnes in her well-known
work the " Boke of St. Albans" the earliest publi-
cation of which is in the year 14Q6.

The Carp is chiefly cultivated in some parts of
Germany and Poland, where it forms a very con-
siderable article of commerce ; the merchants or
dealers purchasing the fish of the noblesse, who
draw a good revenue from the produce of their
ponds. The method of feeding and managing carp
on this large scale is thus detailed by Dr. Forster
in the Philosophical Transactions.

182 COMMON CARP.

" It would be needless to speak of the natural his-
tory of this well-flavoured fish, after the satisfactory
account given of it in the British Zoology by that
most accurate zoologist Mr. Pennant. I will only
observe that though the carp is now commonly
found in ponds and rivers, and generally thought
to be a fresh-water fish, the ancient zoologists
ranged it among the sea-fish; and I know instances
of its being caught; in the harbour of Dantzig, be-
tween that cUy and a little town called I Ida, which
is situated at the extremity of a long, narrow, sandy
promontory, projecting eastwards into the sea, and
forming the gulf before Dantzig, of about 30 Eng-
lish miles diameter. These ear]) vu.-re forced, as I
suppose, by a storm from the mouth of the Vistula,
which here enters the Baltic, into the sea: and as
the other two branches of the Vistula or Weixei
disembogue into a large fresh-water lake called the
Trish-IIaff, which has a communication with the sea
at Pillau, it is equally probable that these fish came
round from Pillau to the harbour of Dantzig ;
especially as they are frequently found in the Trish*
Haff."

" The sale of carp makes a part of the revenue
of the nobility and gentry in Prussia, Pomerania,
Brandenburgh, Saxony, Bohemia, Mecklenburgh,
and Holstein ; and the way of managing this useful
fish is therefore reduced in these countries into a
kind of system, built on a great number of experi-
ments, made during several generations, in the
families of gentlemen well skilled in every branch
of husbandry."

COMMON CARP. 183

" The first thing which must be attended to, in
case a gentleman chooses to have carp-ponds, is to
select the ground where they are to be made : for
upon the soil, water, and situation of a pond the
success in the management greatly depends. The
best kind of ponds ought to be situated in a well-
manured, fertile plain, surrounded by the finest
pastures and corn-fields of a rich black mould,
having either mild or soft springs on the spot, or a
rivulet that runs through the plain. The water
ought to be mild and soft ; by no means too cold,
or impregnated with acid, calcareous, or selenitic,
or other mineral particles. The exposure must be
sheltered against the cold, blasting, easterly, or
northern winds, by a ridge of hills, situated at some
distance from the pond, enjoying fully the benign
influence of the sun, far from any thick, shady wood,
that might intercept the beams of the sun or where
the leaves of trees might cause a putrefaction, or
impregnate the water with astringent particles.
Such ponds as are surrounded by poor, cold and
stiff soils, are open to the -east and north winds,
have a wood on one or two sides, and hard or cold
water, or such as issues from mines, moors, or
mosses, are inferior in goodness. Ponds in a poor,
dry, or sandy soil, surrounded by pines or firs, with
the just-mentioned inconveniences, are considered
as the worst of all. The ground towards the pond
ought to have a gentle slope ; for deep vallies are
subject to great floods, and will then endanger the
dikes in a wet rainy season ; and often the expecta-
tions of many years are carried away. The soil

184 COMMON CARP.

cannot be altered : it is therefore a chief qualifi-
cation of a pond to be contrived in a good soil.
The sun is a less material article ; provided there-
fore a pond can enjoy the morning and noon-tide
sun, it matters not much if the wood be on one or
two of its sides. The water is a material point ;
but in case the springs that supply the ponds are
very cold and hard, it may be softened and tempered
by exposing it to the sun and air in a large reser-
voir above the pond, or by leading it for a long
way in an open exposure, before it enters the pond.
The quantity of water to supply the pond with, is
another requisite : too much water makes too great
a canal necessary, for carrying its superfluity off;
and this is very expensive : too little water has an-
other inconvenience, viz. that of keeping the water
too long in the pond, and to cause a stagnation
without any fresh supplies; and often, in a dry
season, the scantiness of fresh water distresses the
fish, and causes diseases and mortality among them.
These remarks are general, and must be applied to
all ponds : I shall now enter into a more minute
detail : it is found by experience most convenient
to have three kinds of ponds for carp : the first is
called the spawning-pond, the second the nursery,
and third or largest the main-pond. There are two
methods for stocking the ponds with carp; either
to buy a few old fish, and to put them into the
spawning-pond, or to purchase a good quantity of
one year's old fry, for the nursery. I shall treat of
both these methods, and shall add something rela-
tive to the management of carp in the main-pond.

COMMON CARP, 185

A pond intended for spawning must be well cleared
of all other kinds of fish ; especially such as are of
a rapacious nature, viz. pike, perch, eel, arid trout :
and also of all newts or larvae of lizards, as well as
of the dytisci or water-beetles, which frequently
destroy quantities of the fry, to the great loss of the
owner. A rich soil, gently sloping banks, mild
springs, or a constant supply of good soft water,
with a fine exposure to sun and air, are the chief
requisites for a good spawning-pond. A pond of
the size of about one acre requires three or four
male carp, and six or eight female ones ; and
thus further, in proportion to each acre, the same
number of males and females. The best carp for
breeders are five, six, or seven years old, in good
health, in full scale, without any blemish or wound,
especially such as are caused by the Lerncea Cyprini
Lin. (a kind of cartilaginous worm with fine full
eyes and a long body). Such as are sickly, move
not briskly; have spots, as if they had the small-
pox, have, either lost their scales, or have them
sticking but loosely to the body, whose eyes lie deep
in their heads, are short, deep, and lean, will never
produce a good breed. Being provided with a set
of carp such as are here described, and sufficient to
stock a pond with, it is best to put them, on a fine
calm day, the latter end of March, or in April, into
the spawning-pond. Care must be taken that the
fish be not too much hurt by being transported in
a hogshead, nor put into the pond on a stormy
day ; for they are easily thrown upon the shallows
on the sides, being weak, and harrassed by being
caught, removed, and not yet acquainted with the

18t5 COMMON CAKP.

deep holes for their retreat in their new habitation.
Carp spawn in May, June, or July, according as
the warm season sets in earlier or later. At this
season they swim to shallow, warm, and sheltered
places, where the female deposits the spawn where
the bottom is somewhat gritty about the roots of
grass, osier-roots, hanging branches, £c. The
milter or male fish, by a natural instinct, follows
the spawncr, and the milt or soft roe is spread
over the spawn, which thus becomes impregnated.
Carp at tliis season are frequently seen swimming,
as it were in a circle, about the same spot. The
finest and calmest summer days are commonly
those on which carp spawn; providence having
thiLS made a provision for the greater security of
the fry of so useful a fish ; as otherwise in a stormy
day the spawn would be washed towards the banks,
where it would be eaien up by birds, or trampled
on by men and quadrupeds, or dried up by the
heat of the sun, and a whole generation of carp
entirely destroyed. During the spawning-season
the carp may be approached, with some degree of
address, so that they will pass and repass bet\uen
a person's hands held under the water, without
being in the least disturbed ; but if any noise, or
quick motion be made, they dart away with sur-
prising velocity. Great care must be taken, during
the spawning season, to prevent the approach of
all aquatic fowl, wild and tame, to the ponds ; for
geese and ducks not only swallow the spawn, but de-
stroy still more of it by searching among the weeds
and aquatic plants: it is therefore a general rule, to
send twice a day, a man round the pound, to scare

COMMON CARP. 187

all wild fowl, viz. swans, geese, ducks, cranes, and
herons. It sometimes happens that crusians and
carp, or tench and carp, being put together in a
pond, and the males and females of each kind not
being in a just proportion, the different species
mix their roe and milt, and thus produce mules or
mongrel breeds. The mules between carp and
crusians* seldom and slowly attain the size which
carp are capable of: they are very deep, and
shorter in proportion than carp, but of a very hardy
nature. The mules between carp and tench par-
take of the nature of both fish ; grow to a good
size, but some part of their body is covered with
the small slimy scales of a tench, while some other
parts have the larger scales of a carp •[• : their flesh
approaches nearer to that of a tench, and they are
likewise of a less tender nature than the common
carp : this latter kind of mule is called in Germany
Spiegel-Karpe, or mirror-carp, the blotches with
large scales being considered as mirrors. Whether
these mules are capable of continuing their species
I cannot affirm; never having made any experi-
ments on the subject ; nor have I heard any thing
said on that head with any degree of precision, or
founded on experience. In some ponds in Lanca-
shire, I have been told by a gentleman of great
worth and honour, both these kinds of mules are

* Dr. Forster supposes the fish thus named to be the same
with the rnd or Jinscalc (Br. Zool. 3. p. 310). It is not very
common in England, and is generally esteemed much inferior to
the carp in flavour.

f The fish here alluded to is the Rex Cypriwrum of Bloch.

188 COMMON CARP.

now and then found. I think it however not ad-
viseable to put carp and tench, or carp and crusians,
in one pond, unless it be done for experiment's
sake ; in which latter case a small pond, free from
other fish, with one or two fish of each kind, will
be sufficient to gratify curiosity, without debasing
the breed of carp in a large pond. The young fry
being hatched from the spawn, by the benign in-
fluence of the sun, they are left the whole summer,
and even the next winter, in the spawning-pond, in
case the pond be so deep that the suffocation of the
young tender fry under the ice in a severe winter
is not to be apprehended, for it is by no means ad-
vantageous to take them out in the first months of
their existence. If however the shallowness of the
pond, its cold situation and climate, make it neces-
sary to secure the fry against the rigours of the
ensuing winter, the water of the pond must be let
off; in which case the fry and old fish will gradually
retire to the canal and ditches, which communicate
with the hole in the middle of the pond, and a net,
with small meshes, is then employed to catch both
the fry and old ones. The old breeders are then
separated from the fry, and both kinds put into
separate ponds that are warmer, and more con-
venient for the wintering these delicate fish. Care
must be taken to fix on a calm, mild Hay, at the
latter end of September, for the catching of the fry
out of the spawning-pond. The nurseries are the
second kind of ponds intended for the bringing up
the young fry. The best time to put them into
the nursery is in March or April, on a fine and

COMMON CARP* 189

calm day. A thousand, or twelve hundred of this
fry may be allotted to each acre of a pond. The
choice of the fry must be made according to the
above enumerated characters of good and healthy
fish, and must be carefully removed from one pond
to another. It is likewise requisite to send people
with long sticks, all the first day, round the pond,
in order to drive the tender and weak fry from the
sides of the pond, because they are bewildered in a
strange place, and often become the prey of rapaci-
ous birds. If the pond be good, and the place not
overstocked before, and the fry well-chosen and
well preserved, it is almost certain that they will
grow within two summers so much as to weigh
four, five, and sometimes six pounds, and to be
fleshy and well-tasted. A great many Prussian
gentlemen make a good profit by selling their carp,
after two years standing in the nursery, and export
them even to Finland and Russia. The main-ponds
are the last kind. In these carp are put that mea-
sure a foot, head and tail inclusive. Every square
of fifteen feet in the pond is sufficient for one carp,
and will afford food and room for the fish to play
in. The more room carp have, and consequently
the more food the pond affords, the quicker will be
the growth of the fish. The longer the pond has
been already in use, the longer you intend to keep
the carp in it, the more you desire to quicken the
growth of them, the more you ought to lessen the
number of fish destined for the pond. Spring and
autumn are the best seasons for stocking your
main-ponds. The growth of your fish will always

igo

COMMON CARP.

be in proportion to the food they have, for carp
are observed to grow a long time, and to come to
a very considerable size, and a remarkable weight.
I recollect to have seen a carp above a yard long,
and of twenty-five pounds weight ; but I had no
opportunity of ascertaining their real age. In the
pond at Charlottenbnrg, a palace belonging to the
King of Prussia, I saw more than two or three
hundred carp between two and three feet long;
and I was told by the keeper that they were be-
tween fifty and sixty years standing: they were
tame, and came to the shore in order to be fed :
they swallowed wiih ease a piece of white bread of
the size of half a halfpenny roll.

46 During winter, ponds ought to have their full
complement of water ; for the deeper the water
is, the warmer lies the fish. In case the pond be
covered with ice, some holes must be made every
day for the admission of fresh air into the pond,
for want of which ^arp frequently perish. In the
summer observe to clean the rails and wire-works
in the water-courses, of the weeds and grass, which
frequently stop them up. Birds that feed on fish
must be carefully kept out of the ponds. In a
great drought, provision must be made for keeping
the water at the same height that it commonly
stands at in the pond ; i. e. between four and five
feet. If the water stagnates and grows putrid, it
must be let off, and a supply of fresh water be
introduced from the reservoirs. If the weeds,
especially reed and flags, and some of the aquatic
grasses, over-run the pond too much, scithes fixed

COMMON CARP. 1Q1

on poles of sixteen or twenty feet, with a lead
fastened to them to keep the scithes on the bottom
of the pond, are thrown out, and then again drawn
to the person who works with them, and the weeds
will be all cut ; after which operation they must be
drawn up with long harrows, and set in heaps on
the shore for putrefaction, and in length of time,
for manure. This cleaning of ponds must never
be done in a spawning-pond, where it would be
the destruction of thousands of fish. The best/
season for catching such carp as are intended for
the market is Autumn. After the pond has been
for five or six years in constant use, it is likewise
time to let the water entirely off, and clear the
pond of the mud, which often increases too much,
and becomes a nuisance. When the pond is dry it
may be ploughed before the frost sets in, and next
spring oats or barley should be sow^n in it, after a
new ploughing; and it will repay the trouble to
the owner with a rich and plentiful crop. When
the loose, superfluous mud is carried- off, out of the
pond, care should be taken not to take the soil below
the original level of the pond. Some people sow a
pond which has been laid for dry some months with
oats ; and when they are growing, they fill up the
pond with wrater, and introduce carp for spawning;
thinking by this contrivance to procure food for
the fish ; as well as an agreeable substance for
them to rub themselves against ; but this practice
seems to be more noxious than beneficial : for the
growing oats will putrefry, and communicate
putridity to the water, which can by no means be

COMMON CARP.

salutary to the fish. Epicures sometimes feed
carp, during the colder season, in a cellar. The
following method is the best that can be devised
for that purpose. A carp is laid on a great quan-
tity of fresh wet moss, spread on a piece of net,
which is then gathered into a purse, and the moss so
contrived, that the whole fish be entirely wrapped
up in it : care however must be taken to give the
fish ease, and not to squeeze it, so that it may have
room to breathe in this confined attitude. The
net, with the fish and moss, is then plunged into
water, and hung up to the ceiling of the cellar. In
the beginning this operation must be very fre-
quently repeated, at least every three or four hours :
by length of time the fish will be more used to the
new element, and will bear to be out of water for
six or seven hours. Its food is bread soaked in milk,
which in the beginning must be administered in
small quantities : in a short time the fish will bear
more, and will grow fatter. I saw the experiment
tried in a nobknnan's house in the principality of
Anhalt-Dessau ; and during a fortnight I visited
myself, every day, the fish, which after it had been
kept in this manner during a fortnight, was dressed
and served up at dinner, when every one present
found it excellent in its flavour."

122

0

1

1 93

Var.

LARGE-SCALED CARP.

THIS variety, which occurs in some parts of Ger-
many, is figured by Bloch under the title of Rex
Cyprinorum. In shape and colour it resembles the
common Carp, but is distinguished by the extra-
ordinary magnitude of the scales, which are often*
so large as nearly to equal the size of a half-crown
piece : they are also placed rather irregularly on
the fish, some parts of which appear bare, while the
others are covered by the broad plates or scales
before-mentioned : in general they are disposed in
two rows on each side, one parallel with the back,
and the other with the abdomen, which part is
covered by others disposed in a less regular manner.
This variety is said to be superior to the common
Carp in point of flavour, and often grows to a great
size. The young are observed to exhibit the same
proportional size and disposition of scales with the
full-grown animals, for which reason Dr. Bloch is
inclined to suppose this fish to be really distinct
from the common Carp.

v. v. P. i. 13

194

Far. ?

RONDELETIAN CARP.

Cyprinus Rondeletii. Nat. Misc. TO!. 14. t. 556.
Cyprini mira species. Ronde/. aquat. 2. p. 155.
Spur- Fish. Ediv. glean, pi. 282.

THIS singular variety seems to have been first de-
scribed by vRondeletius, from a living specimen
brought into the fish-market at Lyons at the time
his work was printing.

" No one," says he, " who saw the fish (suppos-
ing the head taken away), would imagine it to be
any thing but a Carp, which it exactly resembles
in the shape and colour of its scales, and situation
of the fins and tail. The dorsal fin at its com-
mencement has a strong serrated spine, as in the
Carp, and a similar one at the commencement of the
vent-fin, which latter, as also the tail, is of a reddish
colour, and shaped like that of a Carp : at the gills
are two fins, and likewise two at the abdomen : the
head is not stretched forwards as in the Carp, but
resembles that of a Dolphin*, having a longish but
obtuse snout, as represented in the figure : from
the upper part of the snout, on each side the open-
ing of the mouth, hangs a fleshy appendix or beard,
as in the Carp, and above this, on each side, is a
much smaller one, scarce perceptible without close
inspection."

* Meaning the true Dolphin, or Delphimts Delphis.

/.".V

CRUSIAX. 1Q5

Other varieties, still more remarkable, are figured
by Aldrovandus, &c. having the head sloped of]' in
front in such a manner as to bear a rude resem-
blance to a human face. These varieties Dr. Blocli
imagines to be entirely accidental, and to have
arisen from a wound casually inflicted by some
sharp instrument, as a scythe or sickle, &c. em-
ployed for the purpose of cutting weeds, while the
fish was lying near the edge of the water.

CRUSIAN.

: Cyprinus Carassms. C. luteo-a&caceus, pinnis stibviolaceis,

laterali recta, cauda subintegra.
Yellow-olive Carp, with subviolaceous fins, strait lateral line,

and nearly even tail.
Cyprinus Carassius. C. pinna ani radiis decent, caudce Integra,

Unea laterali recta. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 526.
Cyprinus linea laterali recta, pinna ani radiis decem. Block.

t. 11.
Crusian. Penn. Brit. Zool.

LENGTH from eight to ten inches : shape very
deep, with a considerable thickness : colour deep
olivaceous yellow, with a slight silvery tinge on the
abdomen : lateral line strait : fins dull violet :
dorsal fin broad, and extending a considerable di-
stance from the middle of the back towards the
tail, which is slightly lunated, with obtuse lobes.
Native of many parts of Europe, inhabiting ponds
and large stagnant waters. It may be doubted
whether it be a genuine native of our own country,
but is extremely common, and not much esteemed

196 BREAJV*.

as a food, being considered as a coarse fish*. Ac-
cording to Dr. Bloch a hybrid breed often takes
place between this species and the Carp, when they
happen to inhabit the same waters.

BREAM.

Cyprinus Brama. C. latus olkaccus, aldomine carneo, pinna

dorsall pari'a, ani radiis viginti-scptcm.
Broad olivaceous Carp, with flesh- coloured abdomen, smallish

dorsal fin, and twenty-seven rays in the anal fin.
C. Brama. Lin. Bloc/i. t. 13. Pcnn. Brit. Zool.

A LARGE species : shape very broad or deep :
length from two feet to two and a half: colour
olive, with a pale or flesh-coloured tinge on the
under parts : scales rather large : dorsal fin rather
small, and situated a little beyond the middle of
the back: anal fin extending from the vent nearly
to the tail, which is pretty deeply forked : at the
base of the ventral fins, on each side, an oblong
conical process. Native of many parts of Europe,
inhabiting the larger kind of lakes, still rivers, &c.
and sometimes seen in the Caspian sea. It is a fish
but little esteemed for the table, being consideredi
as coarse and insipid.

* This is the case in our own country, but, according to Dr.
Bloch, it is in considerable esteem in many parts of Germany.
Like many other fishes, it probably differs considerably in flavour
according to the nature of the waters in which it is found,

124.

197

GIBEL.

Cyprinus Gibelio. C. latus flavcsccm, dorso olivaceo, squamis

magnis, pinna dorsali lata, cauda lunulata.
Broad yellowish Carp, with olivaceous back, large scales, broad

dorsal fin, and lunulated tail.
Cyprinus Gibelio. C. pinna dorsali radiis novendecim, cauda

lunulata. Block, t. 1J.

ALLIED in habit to the Bream, Crusian, &c. being
very deep and thick : length from ten to twelve
inches : general colour yellowish, with olive-colour-
ed back : scales very large : dorsal fin moderately
wide, or extending to some distance from the
middle of the back towards the tail, which is short,
and slightly divided, with obtuse lobes. Native 'of
Germany and other midland parts of Europe, in-
habiting lakes and rivers, and not often exceeding
the weight of half or three quarters of a pound.

HUD.

Cyprinus Erythrophthalmus. C. subaureo-olivaceus, dorso ob-

scuriore, oculis rubentibus, pinnis rubris.
Slightly gilded olivaceous Carp, with brownish back, reddish

eyes, and red fins.
Cyprinus erythrophthalmus. C. pinna ani radiis quindecim,

pinnis rubris. Lin. Syst. Nat.
Cyprinus latus, iride crocea, pinnis ventralibus, ani, caudoeque

cinnabarinis. Blocn. t. 1.
Rud. Penn. Brit. Zool.

GENERAL length about eight or ten inches : head
small : irides orange : back arched, and sloping

1Q8 ROACH.

pretty suddenly towards the head and tail : scales
large : lateral line slightly curved : general colour
pale gilded olive, deeper or browner on the back :
abdomen reddish : fins deep red : dorsal fin rather
small, and placed beyond th'e middle of the back :
tail forked. Native of several parts of Europe,
where it is extremely plentiful in lakes and rivers
with a gravelly bottom. In our own island it is
found, according to Pennant, in the Cher well near
Oxford, in the Witham in Lincolnshire, and in the
fens in Holderness.

ROACH.

Cyprinus Rutilus. C. argenteo Jlavescens, dorso subfusco, linca
latcrali deorsum curvata, pinnis inferioribus rulris.

Yellowish-silvery Carp, with brownish back, lateral line curving
downwards, and red lower fins.

Cyprinus Rutilus. C. iride pinnisque omnibus rubris, ani radiis
duodedm. Block, t. 2.

Roach. Perm. Brit. Zool.

MUCH allied to the Rud, but of a shape some-
what less deep, and moderately thin, with the back
pretty sharply arched : scales large and easily de-
ciduous : lateral line curving pretty much towards
the abdomen : general colour silvery with a cast of
dull yellow, growing more dusky or brownish on
the upper parts : fins red : dorsal fin rather small,
and situated on the middle of the back : tail slightly
forked.

The Roach is a gregarious fish, and is a native
of most of the middle parts of Europe, inhabiting

ROACH. igg

deep, still, and clear rivers, and frequently appear-
ing in large shoals. Dr. Bloch informs us that on
draining the marshes about the Oder, so great a
quantity were taken that they were used about all
the neighbouring villages for the purpose of fatten-
ing swine.

In Walton's well-known work the Complete
Angler, mention is made of a Roach weighing two
pounds ; and Mr. Pennant speaks, on the authority
of an intelligent fishmonger, of one which weighed
five pounds ; but the general weight of the fish is
scarcely more than a pound or a pound and half.
It is considered in many parts of Europe as an
excellent fish for the table, having a white, firm,
and well-tasted flesh. In our own country however
it is not held in any great repute, being rather
regarded as a coarse fish. It generally spawns '
about the middle of May, and is a very prolific
species. It is also said to have the habit of hiding
itself in the bottom the instant it perceives any
one near the water. The shoals are observed to be
generally preceded by one, or more, apparently
stationed as a kind of guard, in order to warn the
main body of the approach of any danger.

200

BORDELIERE.

Cyprinus Blicca. C. argenteo-olivaceus, dor so sulfusco, puma
dorsali parva, pectoralibus ve?itralibusque rubentibu.s.

Silvery-olive Carp, with brownish back, smallish dorsal fin,
and reddish pectoral and ventral fins.

Cyprinus Blicca. C. lafus, pinna; ani radiis viginti-quinque.
Block, t. 10.

LENGTH about ten inches : shape like that of
the Bream : colour also similar : dorsal fin rather
small, and placed nearly in the middle of the back,
or not so low as in the Bream : anal fin of similar
shape to that of the Bream, being continued for a
considerable distance from the vent towards the
tail, which is forked : head small, with a sharpish
snout, the upper lip projecting slightly over the
lower: scales moderately large : lateral line curving
towards the abdomen : pectoral and ventral fins
reddish ; the rest blueish. Native of many parts
of Germany, inhabiting lakes and still rivers : in
no great request as a food, on account of its numer-
ous bones, and want of substance ; it is a very
prolific fish, usually spawning in the month of May,
at which period it is so intent on depositing its ova
in proper situations, as to suffer itself to be easily
taken by the hand. Like most others of this genus,
it lives on worms, water-insects, and the spawn of
other fishes, and, as it is said, on that of the Rud
in particular.

201

SOPE.

Cyprimis Ballerus. C. argenleo-cccnrfescens, dorso obscuriore,

pinna dorsali parva, ani hita, cauda bifida.
Silvery-blueish Carp, with dusky back, small dorsal fin, wide

anal fin, and bifid tail.
•C. Ballerus. C. pinna ani radiis quadraginta. Lin. Syst. Nat.

Block, t. 9.

LENGTH ten or fifteen inches : shape allied to
that of the Bream, &c. but less deep : head rather
small than large : gill-covers bright silvery, forming
the appearance of very large scales towards the
sides of the head : body covered by middle-sized
scales: colour silvery, with the back dusky, or
blueish : fins blueish, with a slight cast of dull red:
dorsal fin rather small, and situated a trifle beyond
the middle of the back; anal fin broad, or extending
from the vent nearly to the tail, which is forked,
with the lower lobe somewhat longer than the
upper : lateral line nearly strait. Native of several
parts of the German empire, inhabiting lakes and
rivers.

202

POMERANIAN CARP.

Cyprinus Pomeranirus. C. argenteus, dorso pinnisque J'u&co-

cccrulesccntibus, capitc com-cxo, caudafurcata.
Silvery Carp, with dusky-blueish back and fins, convex head,

and forked tail.
Cyprinus Buggenhagii. C. piniue ani radiis novendecim. Bloch.

LENGTH from twelve to fifteen inches : shape
moderately deep, tapering pretty suddenly towards
the tail : head rather large, convex above, and
sinking rather inwards towards the back : eyes
large and silvery : colour of the whole fish silvery,
\vith a blueish or dusky tinge on the upper parts and
fins: scales large: lateral line slightly bending from
the gills downwards, and then running strait to the
tail, which is pretty sharply forked : dorsal fin small,
and placed in the middle of the back : ventral fins
MTiall, and situated in the middle of the abdomen :
anal fin small, and rather falcated. Native of some
parts of Germany and Poland, inhabiting lakes
and rivers, and often seen accompanying or preced-
ing shoals of Breams, to which, as well as to the
Sope, it is much allied, but may be readily distin-
guished from those fishes by the small number of
rays in the anal fin.

203

FRLNGE-LIPPED CARP.

Cyprinus Fimbriatus. C. violaceo-fuscus , rubro punctatus, abdo-
mine argenteo, labiisfimbriatis, cauda furcata .

Violet-brown Carp, speckled with red,, with silvery abdomen,
fringed lips, and forked tail.

Cyprinus fimbriatus. C. labiisjimbriatis. Block, t. 40g.

LENGTH about twelve inches : shape somewhat
allied to that of the common Carp : colour above
violet-brown, marked with numerous red specks:
below silvery or white : scales rather large : lips
deeply crenated or fringed round the margin : dor-
sal fin rather broad, slightly falcated, and extend-
ing a considerable distance from the middle of the
back towards the tail, which is deeply forked, and,
like all the rest of the fins, of a deep violet-colour.
Native of India, inhabiting fresh waters, and con-
sidered as a good fish for the table.

CIRRIIATED CARP.

Cyprinus Cirrhosus. C. argenteus, dorso violaceo-fusco, labio

superiore biclrrhato.
Silvery Carp, with violet-brown back, and two beards on the

upper lip.
Cyprinus cirrhosus. C. cirrhis duobus supra labium superius.

Block. *. 411.

LENGTH twelve inches: shape nearly similar to
that of the preceding, but rather more slender:
colour silvery, with a violet-brown cast on the upper

204 AMERICAN CARP.

parts : fins of similar shape and size with those of
the preceding species, and of a pale or whitish
colour. Native of India, inhabiting fresh waters.

FALCATED CARP.

Cyprinus Falcatus. C. argenteus, dorso subferrvgineo, capite

obtuso, piiinis rubrii, dorsall fulcata.
Silvery Carp, with subferruginous back, obtuse head, red fins,

and falcated dorsal fin.
Cyprinus falcatus. C. pinna dorsi aniquc falciformi. Block, t.

412.

SIZE equal to that of the preceding : head rather
short, large, and very obtuse, with -the upper lip
projecting over the lower : colour silvery, with a
cast of reddish Imnvn oi\ the upper parts, «md of
yellow on the lower: scales large: fins red, and
shaped as in the two preceding species, but the
dorsal more deeply falcated. Native of India, in-
habiting fresh waters.

AMERICAN CARP.

Cyprinus Americanus. C. pinna ani radiis octodccim. Lin»

Syst. Nat.
Carp with thirteen rays in the anal fin.

SIZE and shape of the Roach : lateral line very
much bowed towards the abdomen : native of the
American seas : observed by Dr. Garden.

203

BIORKA CARP.

Cyprinus Bjorkna. C. pinna ani radiis trig'mta quinquc. Lin.

Syst. Nat. p. 532.
Carp with thirty-five rays in the anal fin.

LENGTH about five inches : habit short and
broad : colour silvery : scales rather large : fins
cinereous : tail forked : native of the Swedish lakes :
allied to the Rud and Roach : spawns in the month
of June, and is in some esteem as a food.

TAREN CARP.

Cyprinus Farenns. C. fusco-argenteus, squamis magnis sub-

angulatis, pinnis fuscis, caudafurcata.
Dark silvery Carp, with large subangular scales, dusky fins, and

forked tail.

Cyprinus Farenus. C. pinna ani radiis triginta-septem, iridibus
flcwis. Lin. Syst. Nat.

HABIT similar to that of the former species :
body compressed and broad: colour dull silvery,
with a dusky tinge on the upper parts : scales
rather large and subhexagonal : fins dusky: anal
fin very long : tail forked ; the lower lobe exceed*
ing the upper in length: native of the Swedish
lakes, but, according to Artedi, considered as a
rare, species.

206

GRISLAGINE CARP.

- Cyprinus Grislagine. C. pinna aid radiis undccim,pumis albenti*

bus. Lin. Syst. Nat.

Carp with whitish fins, and eleven rays in the anal fin.
Cyprinus oblongus figura Rutili, &c. Art. syn. 5. spec. 12.

LENGTH about seven inches : shape somewhat like
that of a Roach, but rather longer : colour silvery,
with a dusky cast on the upper parts: irides silvery :
scales large: tail forked. Native of the Swedish
lakes.

BYNNI CAKP.

Cyprinus Bynni. C. argcntcus, cirris quatuor, cauda lincari

bifida.

Silvery Carp, with four beards, and linear bifid tail.
Cyprinus Bynni. C. pinna dorsali radiis tredccim, tertio crasso

cornco, cauda lincari bifida cirris quatuor. Lin. Gmel. Forsk.

Arab.

LENGTH about twelve inches : shape ovate-oblong:
head rather compressed : back and abdomen slop-
ing : colour silvery : lateral line curving upwards :
anal and caudal fin red with white base : the rest
whitish, with a thickish dull-red margin. Native
of the Nile : considered as an excellent table fish,
and known to the Egyptians by the name of
Bynni : perhaps confounded by some with the
Binni described by Mr. Bruce, and which is evi-
dently a species of Polynemus.

H

n
15

—

207
BULATMAI CARP.

Cyprinus Bulatmai. C. pinna am radiis octo, dor sails sccvndo
maxima, non serrato, cirris qitatuor. Lin. Gmel. p. 14M-.

Carp with eight rays in the anal fin, the second ray of the
dorsal fin very large and not serrated, and four beards at the
mouth.

SIZE of a common Carp : general colour steel-
blue, with a gloss of gold ; beneath inclining to a
silvery cast : scales middle-sized : head oblong,
brownish above : irides of a mixed gold and silver
colour : lateral line strait : dorsal fin blackish ;
pectoral greyish with reddish tips : ventral white
at the base and red at the tips : anal red, with
whitish base : tail reddish brown, and forked. Na-
tive of the Caspian sea : a rare species.

CAPOETA CARP.

Cyprinus Capoeta. C. pinna ani radiis novem, dorsalis et analis
radio tert'io lojigissimo, illius deorsum serrato, cirris duubus.
Lin. GweLp. 1415.

Carp with nine rays in the anal fin, the third ray of the dorsal
and anal fin very long, that of the former serrated down-
wards, and two beards at the mouth.

LENGTH about twelve inches : habit similar to
that of the Orf : colour silvery, with a dusky cast
on the upper parts : abdomen white : scales middle-
sized, and speckled with brown points : fins brown
with dusky specks : dorsal fin trapezoid : pectoral
acuminated: ventral opposite the dorsal, and ob-
tusely trapezoid : anal of similar shape : tail forked.
Native of the Caspian sea ; entering rivers during
the winter season.

208

TUBEROUS CARP.

Cyprinus Caucus. C. pinna ani radiis tredecim, corpore tuberose*
argcnteolo. Lin. Gmel. p. 1419. Molin. Chil, p. 198.

Carp with thirteen rays in the anal fin,, and slightly silvery
tuberous body.

LENGTH about eighteen inches : colour silvery,
more obscure on the upper parts. Native of the
South- American seas.

CONICAL CARP.

Cyprinus Malchus. C. pinna ani radiis octo, corpore conic&

subacrulco. Lin. G //;<•/./;. 1-120. Molin. Chil. p. 199.
Carp with eight rays in the anal fin, and conic, blueish body.

LENGTH about twelve inches: native of the South-
American seas.

LOBE-TAILED CARP.

Cyprinus Julus. C. pinna ani radiis decem, cauda lobatff. Lin.

Syst. Nat. Gmel. p. 142O.
Carp with ten rays in the anal fin, and lobated tail.

LENGTH about a span : tail divided into two very
distinct lobes. Native of the South-American seas.

-
-
-
3

GOLDEN CARP.

Cyprinus Auratus. C. aureus splcndidissimus, pinnis rubris,

cauda scepivs tnfida, pinnaque ani duplici.
Brilliant golden Carp, with red fins, tail frequently trifid, and

anal fin double.
Cyprinus auratus. C. pinna ani gemma, caudce transTersa bifurca.

Lin. Syst. Nat.

Cyprinus colore rubro. Bloch. t. 94.
Gold-Fish. Penn. Brit. Zool. Edwards, t. 209.

THIS most beautiful fish, which far surpasses in
the brilliancy of its appearance every other inhabit-
ant of the waters, is a native of the Southern parts
of China, and is particularly found in the province
of Kiang, where it exists in its natural state in a
large lake, situated near a mountain at a small
distance from the town of Tchanghou. From this
spot it has been dispersed into all parts of that ex-
tensive empire, and is justly considered as one of
the most elegant ornaments which can be in^ro-
duced into the gardens and houses of persons of the
highest distinction. The Chinese ladies in parti-
cular are said to spare no pains in cultivating with
the most assiduous attention so beautiful an animal,
which pleases by the perpetual gaiety of its appear-
ance, the liveliness of its motions, and the ease with
which it may be rendered susceptible of a kind of
attachment. Large glass and porcelain vessels of
the richest kind are prepared for its reception in
their apartments, and small ornamental ponds and
basons in their gardens.

No fish is subject to so many variations, in its
v. v. p. i. 14

110 GOLDEN CARP.

domestic or cultivated state, as the Gold-Fish ; not
only the colour of the body, but even the form and
number of the fins differing greatly in different in-
dividuals. The most general colour, in the full-
grown animal, is a rich and splendid metallic golden
hue, accompanied by a cast of scarlet on the upper
parts, and of silver on the lower, the fins being of
a bright and vivid red: in others the upper part
of the fish is varied with several large black or
deep blue patches : in some the colour is an irre-
gular mixture of gold and silver, and when the ani-
mal is in a very young state it is frequently seen
entirely of a black or dusky tinge ; the back fin is
sometimes either wanting altogether, or consists
only of a very few rays united by their connecting
membrane : the anal fin is very frequently double,
having a similar appearance with the ventral fins:
the tail, which even in its natural state is said to be
often trifid, becomes still more strikingly so in the
cultivated kind, and so formed as to appear hori-
zontal, the middle part or lobe rising up between
the side-parts.

The Gold-Fish has been so long a favourite in
our own country, where it now breeds with almost
equal facility with the Carp, that a very particular
description of the manner of keeping and feeding
it becomes in a great degree unnecessary : it is
nourished with fine bread-crumbs, small worms and
water-snails, yolk of eggs dried and powdered, and
many other substances both of an animal and
vegetable nature : it should at all times, except in
extreme cold weather, be supplied with a frequent

/2S

-

TELESCOPE CARP. 211

change of water, and should be kept in vessel- of
sufficient width to permit a free access of air, yet so
formed as, by o;;:*vhv*- inwards, in a proper degree,
at the edge, to pre> eti: v lie fish from escaping.

The Gold-Fish is said by Pennant to have been
first introduced into England in the year 1691, but
was not generally known till about the year 1728,
when a great number were brought over, and pre-
senied to Sir Matthew Decker, and by him di-
stributed into all parts of the kingdom. Their
general length is from four to six inches ; but they
have been known to arrive at that of twelve or
fourteen.

The Gold-Fish,. like the Carp, is said to be a very
longlived species. We are informed by Mr. Van
Braam that, during his stay at a town near Peking,
he was shewn several Gold-Fish in a small pool, of
which the smallest were fifteen inches in length,
and the rest a great deal larger. The Mandarins
who accompanied Mr. Van Braam assured him
that these fishes were all of a very great age.

TELESCOPE CARP,

Cyprinus Buphthalmus. C. sangmneits, oculis prominentibus ,
pinnis omnibus dimidato-albis, cauda trifida. Nat. Misc. 8. t.
262,

Scarlet-Carp, with protuberant eyes, all the fins half white, the
tail trifid.

Cyprinus macrophthalmus, Block, t. 410.

A HIGHLY elegant species ; greatly allied to the
Gold-Fish ; length ten inches : colour most beauti-

212 FOUR-LOBED CARP.

fid vivid sanguine red : head short : eyes extremely
protuberant, and appearing in some degree exten-
sile : fins shaped as in the Gold-Fish, and of similar
colour with the body for about half their length,
the remainder being of a beautiful white, with rose-
coloured rays or fibres : tail very broad, transverse,
and deeply trifid,the points extending to a consider-
able distance : scales very large. Native of China,
where it is kept in a similar manner with the Gold-
Fish, of which it should, perhaps, be rather con-,
sidered as a variety than a Iruly distinct species.

FOUR-LOBED CARP.

Cyprinus Quadrilobus. C. sanguincus, pinnis ro.seo-albentibusf

cauda quadriloba.
Sanguine-red Carp, with whitish rose-coloured fins and four*

lobed tail.

THIS which is described and figured in the Count
de Cepede's History of fishes as a distinct species,
seems rather to be a variety of the preceding, from
which it chiefly differs in having the tail divided
into four instead of three lobes.

ORF.

Cyprinus Orfus. C. croceus> abdomine argcntco, pinna dursi

parva, cauda lunata.
Orange- coloured Carp, with, silvery abdomen, small dorsal fin,

and lunated tail.

Cyprinus Orfus. C. pinna ani radiis tredecim. Lin. Syst. Nat.
Cyprinus corpore colore croceo, pinna ani radiis quatuordecim.

Block, t. 96.

A BEAUTIFUL species ; allied in point of habit to
the Gold-Fish, which it in some degree resembles in
colour, being of a rich golden orange, accompanied
by a silvery gloss, more especially towards the ab-
domen : all the fins are of a bright red : the dorsal
fin is rather small, and placed a little beyond the
middle of the back: the tail is slightly forked or
lunated. Native of many parts of Germany, Russia,
&c. and often kept like the Gold-Fish in small
ponds on account of its beautiful appearance :
length from ten to twelve inches or more.

214

TENCH.

Cyprinus Tinea. C. mucosus olivaceo-nigricaiis, squamis minimis,
cauda subintcgra.

Mucous blackish-olive Carp, with very small scales, and nearly-
even tail.

Cyprinus Tinea. C. pinna ani radiis undcci?n*, cauda Integra f
corpore mucoso, arris duobus. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 52,6.

Cyprinus squamis parvis, pinnis crassis. Block, t. 14.

Tench. Penn. Brit. Zool.

THIS fish appears to be a native of most parts of
the globe, inhabiting chiefly large stagnant waters
with a muddy bottom, and varying considerably in
the tinge of its colours according to the situation in
which it resides. Its general length is about twelve
or fourteen inches, but, like most other fishes, it is
occasionally found of far greater magnitude, and we
are told that it has sometimes been found to mea-
sure xtwo or three feet in length, and to weigh no
less than eight, ten, or even twenty pounclsf. Its
usual colour is a deep blackish olive, accompanied
by a slight gilded cast ; the abdomen being paler
or yellower than the other parts, and the fins,
which are thick and opake, are of a dull violet-
colour : the shape of the fish is thick, and the skin
is covered, like that of an Eel, with a tenacious
mucus or slime, beneath which appear the scales,
which are very small, and closely affixed to the

* By some mistake in the Systema Naturae the number is said
to be twenty -five.

t Salvian mentions Teaches of twenty pounds weight.

TENCH. '2 1 3

skin*: the head is rather large, the eyes small,
and 011 each side the mouth is situated a small
beard or cirrus.

The Tench, like the Carp, is remarkably tena-
cious of life : it is supposed by some to lie, during
the winter, in a torpid state, concealed beneath the
mud of the waters it inhabits, being rarely taken
.during that season. In the months of May and
June it deposits its spawn, consisting of very small
greenish ova, among water-plants, &c. It is con-
sidered as a very prolific species^ and is said to be
of quick growth. According to the difference, or
capriciousness, of taste and fashion, the Tench is
held in greater or less repute as a table-fish in
different countries. In many parts of Germany it
is but little esteemed ; while in our own country it is
considered as a very delicate fish. It varies how-
ever so much, according to the nature of the waters
in which it resides, that these differences of opinion
may easily be accounted for* In general, the males
are firmer and richer than the females, and are
therefore generally preferred. The ancients ap-
pear to have esteemed the Tench an inferior kind
of fish, and it is mentioned by Ausonius in terms
of contempt.

virides, vulgi solatia, Tineas.

Green Tenches., fav'rites at plebeian boards.

The Tench, as before observed^ is sometimes found

V

* According to Richter, the scales of the Tench amount to
no less than thirty thousand.

21 6 TENCH.

of an unusual size and weight. The most remark-
able instance of this in our own country, seems to be
that recorded in the second volume of Mr. Daniel's
Rural Sports, the account of which runs as follows.
" The Tench that has occasioned most animad-
version is that which the engraving represents*;
the unusual size and form are alike impossible to
be accounted for : its bulk perhaps exceeds that of
any one ever known to be an inhabitant of the most
extensive waters of this country, and the shape,
which seems to have accommodated itself to the
scanty space allotted for its residence, together
stamp it a Lusus Naturae. Its history is that a
piece of water, at Thorville Royal, Yorkshire, which
had been ordered to be filled up, and wherein wood,
rubbish, &c. had been thrown for years, was, in
November 1801, directed to be cleared out. Per-
sons were accordingly employed, and, almost choak-
ed up by weeds and mud, so little water remained,
that no person expected to see any fish, except a
few Eels, yet nearly two hundred brace of Tench,
of all sizes, and as many Perch were found. After
the pond was thought to be quite free, under some
roots there seemed to be an animal, which was con-
jectured to be an Otter; the place was surrounded,
and on opening an entrance among the roots, a
Tench was found of a most singular form, having
literally assumed the shape of the hole, in which he
had of course for many years been confined. His

* See the plate opposite page 264 of the above-mentioned
publication, in which a figure, is given of the gigantic specimen
described by Mr, Daniel,

GOLDEN TENCH. 217

length, from fork to eye, was two feet nine inches ;
his circumference, almost to the taiJ, was two feet
three inches ; his weight eleven pounds, nine ounces
and a quarter: the colour was also singular, his
belly being that of a Charr, or a vermillion. This
extraordinary fish, after having been inspected by
many gentlemen, was carefully put into a pond ;
but, either from confinement, age, or bulk, it at
first merely floated, and at last, with difficulty,
swam gently away. It is now alive and well."

Var.

GOLDEN TENCH.

Cyprinus Tincatirea. C. mucosus aurantius, nigro maculatus,
squamis minimis, pinnis rubris pellucidis, cauda subintegra.

Mucous orange- coloured Carp, with black spots, very small
scales, red pellucid fins, and nearly even tail.

Cyprinus Tinea auratus. Block, t. 15.

THIS most beautiful variety, which appears to be
permanent, is found in some parts of Germany,
and differs from the common Tench in being of the
richest orange-yellow, variegated with small black
spots, while the fins are thin, transparent, and of a
bright red colour : the head also in this variety is
observed to be somewhat smaller than in the com-
mon Tench. It is principally found, according to
Dr. Bloch, in Silesia and Bohemia, and is from
thence transplanted into other parts of Europe,
and kept as an ornamental fish in the waters pf

218 FERRUGINOUS CARP.

gardens and pleasure-grounds. It is said to be of
slow growth, and to live, like most others of this
genus, on worms, water-insects, &c. It is usual to
throw into the waters in which it is kept bread-
crumbs, peas, &c. in the same manner as is prac-
tised with respect to Carps. Dr. Bloch also informs
us that it is usual in some places to call the Carp
to the accustomed feeding-spot by means of a bell,
which signal they readily obey; but that the Golden
Tenches in the same water are not observed to be
susceptible of the sound. They are delighted with
warmth, and in bright weather are observed to
swim in small shoals near the surface ; and this, as
is supposed, rather for the sake of warmth than of
light, since when kept in a warm chamber, they
are observed to prefer the shady side of the vessel
in which they are placed. Like the common Carp,
this variety is said to be tenacious of life. It does
not appear to have been distinctly described by
any ichthyological writer except Dr. Bloch.

FERRUGINOUS CARP.

Cyprinus Ferrugineus. C. totusfcrnigincus.
Carp entirely ferruginous or red-brown.
Cyprin rouge-brun. Cepcde. 6. p. 4QO.

SIZE uncertain : habit resembling that of the
Gold-Fish. Native of China.

A'//.

(', I LJDED-BJ.Ar 1C ('A

FE RJRI7 GI^T Q IT S C ARI

culp.

TJOI.KT-GRE E w CARP

GILDED-BLACK CARP.

Cyprinus Nigro-auratus. C. nigro-auratus, pinnisfermgineis.
Gilded-black Carp, with ferruginous fins.
Cyprin mordore. Cepede. 6. p. 4g2.

HABIT similar to that of the preceding, of which
it seems rather a variety than a species truly di-
stinct. Native of China.

VIOLET-GREEN CARP.

Cyprinus Viridi-violaceus. C. viridi-violaceus, pinnis violaceis.
Violet-green Carp, with violet-coloured fins.
Cyprin verd-violet. Cepede. 6, p. 492.

SIZE and habit similar to that of the two pre-
ceding. Native of China. This and the two
former are slightly described, and figured by
Cepede, on the authority of some Chinese draw-
ings belonging to the collection of the Prince of
Orange, and now deposited in the Parisian Mu-
seum.

220

PUNCTATED CARP.

Cyprinus Punctatus. C. oltiacco-ftavcscens, squamis nigro-
jm net at is, linca laterall r libra, scric duplici punctorum nigromm.

Yellowish-olive Carp, with the scales speckled with black,
and red lateral line with a double row of black specks.

Cyprinus bipunctatus. Spirting, ttlvch. t. S.f. 1.

A SMALL species, scarcely exceeding three or four
inches in length: shape similar to that of the follow-
ing species, but with the head larger, and the dorsal
fin less broad in proportion : colour pale yellowish
brown, or olive ; white or silvery beneath : upper
fins blueish : lower reddish : scales speckled with
black : lateral line red, and marked throughout by
a double row of black points, giving an elegant ap-
pearance to the living fish, but fading alter death :
tail forked. Native of Germany, inhabiting rivers
and brooks, and considered as an agreeable fish
for the table.

BITTERLING.

Cyprinus Amarus. C. lot us, suburgentco-flaTcsccns, rlorso oli-
I'aceo, squainis m&gHU nigro-punctaiis, pinnis pectoralibus vent-
raliiusque rudiis scptcm.

Broad yellowish-olive Carp, witli a cast of silver; large scales
speckled with black, and pectoral and ventral fins seven-
rayed.

C. amarus. Der Bitterling. Block, t. S.f. 3.

A VERY small species, scarcely exceeding two
inches in length : shape resembling that of a Carp, or

SILKEN CARP. 221

rather a Bream in miniature : colour yellowish olive
above, pale or whitish beneath : scales large for the
size of the fish : dorsal fin placed in the middle of
the back, and resembling that of a Carp in shape :
anal fin of similar appearance also : tail slightly
divided : all the fins of a pale yellow colour, except
the pectoral, which are small, and of a pale blue.
Native of Germany, and several other parts of
Europe, inhabiting lakes and rivers : it is hardly
considered in the light of an edible fish, being of a
bitter flavour, and so small and thin as to be not
worth the trouble of preparation.

SILKEN CARP.

Cyprinus Sericeus. C. violacco-argenteiis nitidissimus, abdomine
roseo, fascia utrinque longitudinali wridi-cyanca.

Brilliant violet-silvery Carp, with rose-coloured abdomen,, and
a blue-green longitudinal stripe on each side.

Cyprinus sericeus. C. pinna dorsali radiis decem, anali undecim,
cauda exfusco rubente. Lin. Gmcl Pall. it. 3. p. 704.

A VERY small, but highly elegant species : length
scarcely two inches : shape like that of the Crusian :
colour bright silvery, accompanied by a blue or
violet cast, and towards the abdomen pale rose-
colour : on each side the body a longitudinal
broadish blue-green stripe : ventral and anal fins
bright red, tipped with black : tail brown. Native
of slowly-running streams in many parts of Dauria,
where, according to Dr. Pallas, it is extremely
plentiful.

222

Of a more lengthened shape.

BARBEL.

Cyprinus Barbus. C. albo-cacrulcscens, cirris qwtuor, dorso

olivaceOj pinnce dor sails radio secundo vtrinque serrato.
Blueish white Carp, with four beards, olive-coloured back, and

the first ray of the dorsal fin serrated on both &;1es.
Cyprinus Barbus. C. pinna ani radiis septem, cirris quatuor,

pinnce dorsi radio secundo utrinque serrato. Lin. Syst. Nat.

p. 525.
Barbel. Penn. Brit. Zool.

THE Barbel, which is a native of most of the
middle and southern parts of Europe, is readily
distinguished from most others of its genus by the
lengthened form of its body, somewhat resembling
the habit of a Pike, as well as by the length of the
upper lip, which extends considerably beyond the
lower, and 'is furnished with two pair of long and
unequal cirri or beards, of which the interior or
those nearest the tip of the nose are shorter than
the exterior : the colour of the whole fish is a
slightly silvery grey, with a darker cast on the
upper parts, and the scales are middle-sized, round-
ed, and well defined : the dorsal fin is rather small
than large, situated on the middle of the back, and
is of a blueish brown colour, with the second ray
extremely strong, sharp, and serrated on both sides:
the pectoral and ventral fins are pale-brown tipped
with yellow ; the tail dull purple and forked : the
snout or upper lip reddish : the lateral line strait.

The Barbel is usually found in deep and rapid

BARBEL.

rivers, and is a fish of considerable strength, swim-
ming with rapidity, and living not only on worms
and water-insects, but occasionally preying on the
smaller fishes. It grows to a great size, having
been sometimes seen of the length of five or six,
and even, according to some authors, of eight, ten,
or twelve feet. Its more general length however
is from eighteen inches to two feet. It is said to
be of quick growth, and to arrive at a great age.
It is generally observed to frequent the deeper and
stiller parts of the rivers in which it resides, fre~
quently assembling in small shoals, and rooting
among the mud and stones at the bottom in quest
of worms, &c. It is sometimes either so intent on
this, or so careless at particular seasons, as to suffer
itself to be taken by the hand by divers employed
for that purpose. Mr. Pennant observes that in
summer the Barbel is chiefly in motion during the
night, but towards autumn, and in winter, generally
confines itself to the deepest holes. It is a very
coarse fish, and never admitted at superior tables,
being used only by the lower ranks : it has even
the reputation of being in some degree noxious ;
the roe in particular is said to operate as a very
strong emetic and cathartic, and is sometimes
taken in a small quantity by the country people
for the purpose of common physick, but is ob-
served, in general, to operate rather too roughly.
We are assured, by Sir John Hawkins, in his edition
of Walton's Complete Angler, that the flesh itself
is not always safe. " About the month of Sep-
tember (says he) in the year 1754, a servant of

224 CYRAL BARBEL.

mine, who had eaten part of a Barbel, though, as I
had cautioned him, he abstained from the spawn,
was seized with such a violent purging and vomit-
ing, as had like to have cost him his life." Not-
withstanding this observation, Dr. Bloch affirms
that the Barbel, when not overgrown, is a suffici-
ently delicate fish, and even assures us that he
himself, together with his whole family, had eaten
the roe or spawn without any bad effect. Like
most other fishes, the Barbel probably differs very
much in different situations. It usually spawns in
May, or June, according to the warmth or cold-
ness of the season. At that period it rushes up
the rivers, and deposits its eggs in stony places in
the most rapid part of the current. Dr. Bloch in-
forms us that the Barbel, among other baits, is
fished for with leeches, which are collected by the
country people, and dried, and on immersion in
water, are sufficiently restored to their natural ap-
pearance as to be used with success for this pur-
pose.

CYRAL BARBEL.

Cyprinus Capito. C. cirris quatuor, pinna: dorsalis radio tcrtio
utrinque post ice scrrato, dorso acufo, latcribus pinnisque infcri-
oribus»albidis. Lin. Gniel. Guldenst. NOT. Comm. Pcfrop.

Carp with four beards, sharp back, third ray of the dorsal fin
serrated on both sides, and whitish lower fins.

VERY much allied to the Barbel, but rather more
compressed, and with a longer and broader head in

RAZOR CARP. 225

proportion : snout more obtuse ; beards longer,
and eyes larger : dorsal fin situated lower than in
the Barbel. Found in the rivers running into the
Caspian sea, particularly in the Cyrus.

RAZOR CARP.

Cyprinus Cultratus. C. argenteo-ccerukscens capite parvot corpore

compresso, abdomine carinato.
Silvery-blueish Carp, small head, compressed body, and carin-

ated abdomen.
Cyprinus cultratus. C. pinna ani radils triginta, linea lateral*

declinata, venire acutissimo. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 53 1 .
Cyprinus pinna dorsi anali opposita. Block, t. 37*

THIS species is of a lengthened form, and of a
remarkably compressed shape, with the back nearly
strait, the abdomen projecting downwards; and
forming a sharp keel on the lower part : the head
is small, with the mandibles turning upwards, and
in shape resembling those of a Herring : the eyes
are large and silvery : the body of similar colour,
with a slight cast of dusky blue above : the scales
middle-sized, thin, and deciduous, and the lateral
line remarkably flexuous, descending first pretty
deeply from the gill-covers, and from thence con-
tinuing with an unequal flexure to the tail, which
is pretty strongly forked : the dorsal fin is small,
and situated very low on the back, or at no great
distance from the tail : the anal fin is shallow and
subfalcated : the pectoral rather large and lanceo-
late, and the ventral smaller, but of nearly similar
shape : all the fins are of a pale or whitish colour.

v. v. P. i. 15

226 CHUB.

This fish is a native of Russia, Pomerania, &c. in-
habiting rivers running into the Baltic. In other
parts of Europe it is rather a rare fish : it arrives
at the length of eighteen inches or two feet, and is
held in but slight repute as a table-fish, on account
of its thinness, and the want of firmness of its flesh :
it is said chiefly to frequent the banks of the rivers,
to prey on worms and insects, and to spawn in the
month of May.

CHUB.

Cyprinus Jeses. C. argcnteo-ccerukscenSf dorso olwaceo, capitc

crasso, rostro rotundato.
Silvery-blueish Carp, with olivaceous back, thick head, and

rounded snout.
Cyprinus Jeses. C. pinna ani radiis quatuordecim , rostro rotun?

dato. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 530.
Chub. Pern. Brit. Zool.

THIS fish in some degree resembles the Carp,
Or rather the Tench, in shape, but is of a more
lengthened form, and has a thicker or larger head
in proportion. Its general length is from fourteen
to eighteen inches : its colour silvery, with a blueish
olive cast on the upper parts : the scales are very
large or broad, and the lateral line nearly strait :
the dorsal fin is rather small, and situated on the
middle of the back : the tail is slightly forked, and
of a dull blueish colour, all the rest of the fins being
of a ferruginous brown.

The Chub is a native of many parts of Europe,
and is not uncommon in our own island : it is

CHUB. 227

chiefly found in clear and rapid rivers, being a fish
of a strong nature, and swimming very swiftly : it
generally frequents the deepest parts of the water,
and is of a shy or timid disposition : it spawns in
the months of March and April. According to
Bloch, the Chub weighs from five to eight pounds :
those of British growth however are very rarely
equal in point of size to those found in many other
parts of Europe. The young are said to be of slow
growth ; scarcely arriving at a greater length than
three inches in the space of the first year. The
Chub is generally considered as a coarse, unpalat-
able fish, and is apt to acquire a yellowish cast on
boiling 5 for which reason it is held in no esteem
at our tables. Walton however, in his well-known
work The Complete Angler, gives us a receipt for
dressing it in such a manner as to form no un^
pleasant repast.

" The Chub (says he), though he eat well thus
drest, yet as he is usually drest, he does not : he is
objected against, not only for being full of small
forked bones, disperst through all his body, but
that he eats watrish, and that the flesh of him is
not firm, but short and tasteless. The French
esteem him so mean, as to call him Un Villain;
nevertheless he may be so drest as to make him very
good meat ; as namely, if he be a large Chub, then
dress him thus. «

" First, scale him, and then wash him clean,
and then take out his guts ; and to that end make
the hole as little and as near to his gills as you
may conveniently, and especially make clean his

228 ROUND-TAILED CHUB.

throat from the grass and weeds that are usually in
it, for if that be not very clean, it will make him to
taste very sour : having so done, put some sweet
herbs into his belly, and then tye him with two or
three splinters to a spit, basted often with vinegar,
or rather verjuice and butter, with good store of
salt mixed with it.

" Being thus drest, you will find him a better
dish of meat than you, or most folk, even than
anglers themselves, do imagine ; for this dries up
the fluid watrish humour with which all Chubs do
abound."

It seems somewhat singular in the above receipt,
that Walton should first insist on the throat of the
fish being well cleaned, lest it should taste sour,
and then recommend it to be well basted with ver-
juice or vinegar.

ROUND-TAILED CHUB.

Cyprinus Cephalus. C. pinna ani radiis undecim, corpore sub~

cylindrico, cauda rotundata.
Carp with eleven rays in the anal fin, subcylindric body, and

rounded tail.
Cyprinus Cephalus. C. pinna ani radiis undedm, caudte integra^

corpore subcylindrico. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. WJ.

GREATLY allied to the Chub, but, according to
Dr. Bloch, specifically different : appears to have
been confounded by Mr. Pennant and others with
the Chub or Cyprinus Jeses of Linnaeus, from which
it differs in having the tail rounded.

RAPHE.

Cyprinus Aspius. C. grisco-argentevs, dorso subfusco, maxilla

inferior e longiore incurva.
Silvery-grey Carp, with brownish back, and incurved lower

jaw longer than the upper.
C. Aspius. C. pinna ani radiis sedecim, maxilla infetiore longiore

incuroa. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 530.
Cyprinus Aspius. Block, t. 7.

GREATLY allied in appearance to the Chub, but
rather more slender, with the back less elevated,
the abdomen more prominent, and the head rather
smaller : colour silvery, growing dusky on the
back : scales large : lateral line curving slightly
towards the abdomen : fins similar in situation,
shape, and colour to those of the Chub, except
that the pectoral fins are whitish: the lower jaw
is rather longer than the upper, slightly curving
up at the tip. In the young of this species the
body is often marked by a longitudinal series of
dusky lines in the direction of the scales, as in the
Grayling, the Mullet, and several other fishes. Na-
tive of the rivers of Germany : said to be a good
table fish, but not a fashionable one, the flesh break-
ing in pieces on boiling, and being thought too fat
for delicate stomachs. It is said to die soon when
taken out of the water, in which particular it differs
remarkably from the Chub.

230

IDE.

Cyprinus Idus. C. argenteo-carulescens, pinna dorsali caudaquc

liolaceo-fuscis, cceteris rubentibus.
Silvery-blueish Carp, with the dorsal fin and tail violet-brown,

the rest red.
Cyprinus Idus. C. pinna ani radiis tredecim, rubra. Lin. St/st.

Sat. p. 529. C. Idbarus ? Lin. Syst. Nat.
Cyprinus corpgre crasso, pinna ani ra ; is tredecim. Block. I.

36.

LENGTH from eighteen inches to two feet : shape
somewhat lengthened or Salmon-form, yet with a
considerable degree of depth : colour silvery, with
a blueish or dusky tinge on the upper parts : head
rather large than small, and slighly sharpened in
front : cheeks tinged with yellow : irides silvery :
scales rather large : dorsal fin smallish, placed on
the middle of the back, and of a pale violet-brown
colour, as is likewise the tail, which is slightly fork-
ed : pectoral fins reddish : ventral and anal red.
Native of lakes and rivers in many of the northern
parts of Europe, ascending rivers principally in the
month of May, during the spawning-season ; and
is observed to select for this purpose the most rapid
places, and to deposit its ova on the bare stones.
It is said to be of slow growth, and to be held in
considerable esteem as a table fish.

231

NASE.

Cyprinus Nasus. C. argenteo-ccerulescens, capite parvo naso

promnente.

Silvery-blueish Carp, with small head, and prominent snout.
Cyprinus Nasus. C. pinna ani radiis quatuordecim, rostro pro*

minente. Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 530.
Cyprinus abdomine intus nigro. Block, t. 3.

•ib.
SHAPE like that of a Salmon : length about twelve

or fifteen inches: head small: snout prominent,
with the mouth placed considerably beneath : scales
large : colour silvery, with a strong cast of dusky
blue on the upper parts : dorsal fin rather small
than large, placed in the middle of the back, and
of similar colour; tail forked, and of the same
colour, but with a tinge of dull red : pectoral, vent-
ral, and anal fins bright red. Native of lakes and
rivers in many parts of Germany, Russia, &c. It
is not held in much consideration as a table fish,
from a prejudice entertained against it, on account
of the black colour of the peritonaeum or investing
membrane of the intestines.

232

SERTE.

Cyprinus Serta. C. argcnteo-arrufcscens, supra olivaccus, naso

producto, pinna dorsali anali caudalique subcceruleis, ccetcris

snbrubentibus.
Silvery-blueish Carp, olivaceous above, with the dorsal, caudal,

and anal fin blueish, the rest reddish, and the snout produced.
Cyprinus Vimba. C. pinna ani radiis viginti-quatuor, rostra

nasifonni Lin. Syst. Nat.
Cyprinus Vimba. Block, t. 4.

LENGTH from twelve to eighteen inches : shape
nearly similar to that of the preceding; but rather
thicker: snout shaped in the same manner, with
the mouth beneath '. colour dusky blueish-olive
above, silvery or whitish beneath : eyes gold-colour-
ed : dorsal fin as in the preceding, and of the same
colour with the back, as is also the forked tail, and
the anal fin: pectoral and ventral fins yellow: the
cheeks and gill-covers are also pretty strongly tinged
with yellow : scales middle-sized, and bordered
with small radii at the edges. Native of Germany,
Russia, Sweden, and other parts of Europe, inhabit-
ing rivers, from which it occasionally migrates into
the Baltic sea. It is held in considerable estima-
tion as a food, either fresh, salted, or prepared in
various ways by pickling, &c. The peritonaeum in
this species is not black, but of a silvery whiteness ;
it seems however to have been confounded by some
authors with the former fish, in which that part is
of a deep black colour.

233

DOBULE.

Cyprinus Dobula. C. argenteo-ccerulescens, naso subproducto,

pinna dorsali caudaqite subcccruleis, pinnis inferioribus rubcn-

tibus.
Silvery blueish Carp, with subproduced snout, dusky back,

blueish dorsal fin and tail, and reddish lower fins.
Cyprinus Dobula. C. pinna ani dorsalique radiis decent. Lin.

Sysf. Nat.
C. oblongus, pinna ani dorsalique radiis undecim. Block, t. 5.

LENGTH ten or twelve inches : shape similar to
*that of the Nase, but with the snout much less pro-
duced, the upper jaw being but very little longer
than the lower : colour as in the Nase : eyes yellow :
situation, shape, and proportion of the fms the
same : dorsal fin and tail dusky ; pectoral pale
yellow ; ventral and anal red. Native of Germany,
&c. inhabiting large lakes, and ascending rivers in
the months of March and April for the purpose of
spawning : feeds on worms, leeches, and water-
insects : but little esteemed as a table-fish, on ac-
count of its numerous bones, though otherwise not
an unpleasant food.

DACE.

Cyprinus Leuciscus. C. argent eo-flavescens,dorso olivaceo, pinna

dor sali fusca, cceteris rubentibus caudafurcata,
Yellowish-silvery Carp, with olivaceous back, dorsal fin brown,

the rest reddish, and forked tail.
Cyprinus Leuciscus. C. pinna ani radiis decem, dorsali novem.

Lin. Syst. Nat.
Dace or Dare. Will, ichtk. Penn. Brit. Zool.

LENGTH from six to eight or ten inches : colour
silvery, with yellowish olive back: scales middle-
sized : dorsal fin rather small, of a dusky colour*
and placed on the middle of the back : rest of the
fins slightly tinged with red : tail pretty sharply
forked. In its manners the Dace resembles the
Roach, being of a gregarious nature, inhabiting
lakes and rivers in many parts of Europe, and by
no means uncommon in our own island.

GRAYNING.

Cyprinus Lancastriensis. C. argenteus, dorso subrecto ceru-
lesccntc, ociilis pinnisque inferioribus rubentibus.

Silvery Carp, with almost even, blueish back, and reddish eye&
and lower fins.

Grayning. Pcnn. Brit. Zool.

THIS, says Mr. Pennant, is found in the Mersey
near Warrington, and has much the appearance of
a Dace, but is more slender, and has the back
straiter : the usual length is about seven inches
and a half: the depth to the length is as one to

CASPIAN CARP. 235

five ; of the Dace as one to four : the colour of the
back is silvery with a blueish cast : the eyes, ventral
and anal fins red, but paler than in the Dace, and
the pectoral fins are redder : in the dorsal fin are
eight rays, in the pectoral fifteen, in the ventral
nine, in the anal ten, and in the tail thirty-two.

CASPIAN CARP.

Cyprinus Mursa. C. pinna ani radiis scptem, primo longissimo,
dorsalis tertio longissimo, crassissimo, retrorsum ultra medium
serrato, cirris quatuor. Lin. Gmel. p. 1415. Guldenst. Nov.
Comm. Petrop. 17. p. .513.

Carp with four beards, seven rays in the anal fin, the first very
long, and the third ray of the dorsal fin very long and thick,
and serrated beyond the middle.

LENGTH about twelve inches : habit resembling
that of a Pike, being of a squarish oblong shape :
scales small, and obtusely square : colour gilded
olive, shaded with dusky on the upper parts : abdo-
men white : skin mucous : anal and ventral fins
white, spotted on the upper part with brown : the
rest of the fins brown : the dorsal placed in the
middle of the back, the tail forked. Native of the
Caspian sea, ascending rivers in the spring season
in order to deposit its ova in proper situations,

236

FIN-BACK CARP.

Cyprinus Regius. C. pinna ani radiis undccim, dor salt per
totam dorsi longitudinem excurrente. Lin. Gmel. p. 141(J*
Moltn. Chil.p. 1Q8.

Carp with eleven rays in the anal fin, and the dorsal fin run-
ning down the whole length of the back.

NATIVE of the South- American seas: size of a
Herring : shape cylindric : colour golden above,
silvery beneath: iridrs purple: tins soft and yellow :
in great esteem for the table, being a very delicate
fish.

THICK-SNOUTED CARP.

Cyprinus Labeo. C. subargcntco-fuscus, rostro subcarnoso coni-
co-obtuso, pinnis infcrioribus rubris, canda fusca.

Subargenteous brown Carp, with somewhat fleshy obtusely-
conic snout, red lower fins, and brown tail.

Cyprinus Labeo. C. pinna ani radiis scptem dorsali octo, pec-
torahbus noTcndecim. Lin. Gmd. p. 1420. Pall. it. 3. p. 703.

A LARGE species, more them two feet in length :
body roundish, subcompressed, and covered with
large scales : head thick, with an obtuse, conical,
and somewhat fleshy snout: mouth placed beneath,
as in the Sturgeon : eyes rather large, with yellow-
ish-silvery irides: pectoral, ventral, and anal fins
red : tail forked : first ray of the dorsal strong and
bony. Native of rocky rivers in Dauria, where it
is very common ; is a very swift swimmer, and i3
highly esteemed as a table fLsh.

237

THIN-HEADED CARP.

Cyprinus Leptocephalus. C. capite producto, depresso, maxilla
mferiore longiore, pinnis, excepta dorsali, rubris.

Carp with produced and depressed head, with the lower jaw
longer than die upper, and red fins, the dorsal excepted.

Cyprinus leptocephalus. C. pinna ani radiis novcm, dorsali octo.
Lin. Gmel. Pall. it. 3. p. 703.

SIZE equal to that of C. Labeo : shape resembling
that of the Salmo Coregonus, but the head some-
what like that of a Pike, having the snout much
produced, depressed, and rounded, with the lower
jaw longer than the upper : scales middle-sized :
fins, except the dorsal, red. Inhabits the rivers of
Dauria.

SUCKING CARP.

Cyprinus Catas-tomus. C. albidus, corpore elongatoy capite sub*
tetragono, rostro subproducto, ore lunulato wferiote.

Whitish Carp, with lengthened body, subtetragonal head, sub-
produced snout, and lunulated mouth placed beneath.

Cyprinus catastomus. C. pinna ani radiis acto, labio imo carun-
cula bilobata papillosa, cauda bifida. Forst. Act. Angl. vol.
63. p. \58.t.6.

SHAPE lengthened ; body compressed ; colour
whitish ; length from ten to fifteen or sixteen
inches : head lengthened, flattened on the top, and
marked by rough lines : mouth small, and placed
beneath : scales middle-sized : dorsal fin situated
on the middle of the back: tail lunated. Native

238 BLEAK.

of North America, inhabiting inland lakes and
rivers, where it is found in the greatest plenty : said
to live chiefly by suction, from which circumstance
its name is taken.

VAR.

THIS variety has smaller scales than the former,
and is farther distinguished by a broad red stripe
on each side the body, accompanying the lateral
line : it is found chiefly at sea, and very rarely in
fresh waters.

BLEAK.

Cyprinus Alburnus. C. argenteus, dorso olivaceo, pinna ani

radiis viginti, cauda furcata.
Silvery Carp, with olivaceous back, twenty rays in the anal

fin, and forked tail.
Cyprinus Alburnus. C. pinna ani radiis viginti. Lin. Syst.

Nat. p. 531.
Cyprinus maxilla inferiore prominente, pinna ani radiis viginti.

Block, t. 8./. 4.

LENGTH five or six inches : shape slender, with
the body much compressed : colour bright silvery,
with the back olive-green : scales middle-sized, and
easily deciduous : tail forked : native of rivers in
many parts of Europe, and common in our own
island. It is from the scales of this fish that the
beautiful silvery matter used in the preparation of
artificial pearls is chiefly taken : the invention is of

GALIAN.

French origin, and is principally practised at Paris,
which city has long been famous for this elegant
manufacture: we are informed by Dr. Lister, in
his Journey to Paris, that an artist in that city
used about thirty hampers-full of Bleak in a single
winter. Other bright-coloured fishes may however
be used for the same purpose : the scales are said
to be first washed, or slightly beaten, in order to
afford all the silvery matter with which they are
covered, and which, by repeated affusions of water,
is purified, and suffered to settle for use : this pre-
paration, which is termed oriental essence, is then
mixed with a small quantity of melted isinglass,
and introduced, by means of proper tubes, into
the thin glass beads used in the process, and which
are of different casts of colour, as pale rose, blueish,
&c. &c, When the silvery matter or essence has
been distributed round the whole internal surface
of the bead, it is suffered to dry, and, in the ordin-
ary kinds, is afterwards filled up with melted wax.

GALIAN.

Cyprinus Galian. C, oHvaceus,fusco-maculatus, abdomine rubro,
Olivaceous Carp, with brown spots, and red abdomen.
Cyprinus Galian. C. pinna ani radiis septcm, dorsali oclo, pec-
tor alibus qwtuordecim. fan. Syst. Nat. Gmel.

AN elegant species : size and habit of a small
Gudgeon : scales small, and closely infixed : native
of rocky rivers in some parts of Siberia.

240

HERRING CARP.

Cyprinus Clupeoides. C. argenteo-cccrukscens, comprcssus,
abdomine serrato, ore sursum curcato, pinna anali subfalcata,
cauda furcata.

Silvery-blueish compressed Carp, with serrated abdomen, mouth
curving upwards, subfalcated anal fin, and forked tail.

Cyprinus clnpeoides. C. abdomine serrato. Block, t. 408. f. 2.

LENGTH about six inches : habit resembling that
of a Herring : body compressed, with the abdo-
men sharply carinatcd : scales middle-sized : lateral
line curving downwards from the gills, pretty near
the abdomen, and then running almost strait to
the tail : mouth shaped as in the genus Clupea,
but having the teeth in the throat as in the Cypririi :
gill-membranes also furnished with rays : colour
blueish-silvery, with a dusky cast on the back, and
yellowish at the base of the fins : tail forked. Na-
tive of India, and seeming to form, as it were, a
connecting link between the genera of Cyprinus
and Clupea.

241

GUDGEON.

Gyprinus Gobio. C. argenteo-olivaceus, labio superiore utrinquc

barbato, pinna dorsali caudaque nigro-maculatis.
Silvery olive Carp, with the upper lip bearded, and the dorsal

fin and tail spotted with black.
Cyprinus Gobio. C. pinna ani radiis undecim, cirris duolus.

Lin. Syst. Nat. p. 526.
Cyprinus oblongus varius, cirris duobus ad angulum oris. Block.

t. Q.f. 2.

THE Gudgeon is an inhabitant of the smaller
kind of lakes and gentle rivers in most parts of
Europe, especially those with a gravelly bottom.
It is observed by Mr. Pennant that those which
are caught in the Kennet and the Cole are thrice
the weight of those taken elsewhere : the largest
commemorated by the above-mentioned author was
taken near Uxbridge, and weighed half a pound :
the general measure is from four to five or six
inches. The Gudgeon is of a lengthened shape,
with a thick or subcylindrical body : its usual
colour is pale olive-brown above, sometimes slightly
spotted with black; the sides silvery, and the abdo-
men white : the scales middle-sized, or rather large :
and the lateral line strait : the dorsal fin is placed
in the middle of the back, opposite the ventral fins,
and is of a pale brown, commonly marked with
numerous black spots disposed in a kind of trans-
verse rows : the tail is slightly forked, and of simi-
lar colour : the rest of the fins are generally of a
pale reddish or yellowish brown, the irides of the

v. v. r. i. 16

242 GRONOVIAN CARP.

eyes are red : the upper jaw rather longer than the
lower, and furnished on each side with a shortish
beard or cirrus. The Gudgeon is observed to reside
principally at the bottom of the streams which it
frequents, and it is usual with anglers to rake the
bottom at intervals, by which means these fish are
assembled in small shoals, expecting, on the raising
of the mud, a supply of their favourite food, viz.
small worms and water-insects. The Gudgeon
generally spawns in the spring, and is observed not
to deposit all its ova at once, but at distant periods,
so that the spawning-time lasts near a month. It
is a very prolific species, and is to the last degree
plentiful in the lakes of some parts of Germany,
where it chiefly abounds in the autumnal season.
As a table-fish it is in high estimation, being of a
delicate flavour, and considered as not greatly in-
ferior to the Smelt.

GRONOVIAN CARP.

Cyprinus Gonorhynchus. C. rostro prominente angulato-rotun-

dato, corpnrc cy'llndrico.
Carp with prominent obtusely- cornered snout, and cylindric

body.
Cyprinus Gonorhynchus. C. pinna ani radiis veto, corpore

cylindrico. Lin. GmcL p. 1422.
Gonorhynchus. Gronov. zooph. p. 55. t. 10. f. 2.

LENGTH about nine inches : scales small : lateral
line strait : dorsal fin situated towards the hind
part of the body as in a Pike : ventral fms opposite

MINOW. 243

the dorsal: anal pretty near the tail, which is
slightly forked. Native of the seas about the Cape
of Good Hope, and first described by Gronovius,
from a dried specimen : colour uncertain.

MINOW.

Cyprinus Phoxinus. C. atro-viridis Jlano ccerukoque varius,
abdomine argenteo-rubescente, caudafurcata.

Blackish-green Carp, with blue and yellow variegations, red-
dish-silvery abdomen, and forked tail.

Cyprinus Phoxinus. C. pinna ani radiis octo, macula fusca ad
caudam, corpore pellucido. Lin. Syst. Nat.

Cyprinus teretiusculus, pinnis ventralibus anali dorsalique radiis
decem. Block, t. 8./. 5.

THIS well-known species may be numbered
among the most beautiful of the European fishes :
it seldom exceeds the length of three inches, and
is of a slender and elegant shape : the colours are
generally as stated in the specific character, but
vary greatly in different specimens, and at different
seasons of the year : sometimes the colour of the
upper parts is rather blue than green, and the ab-
domen in some is of a bright red, in others white
or silvery with a tinge of yellow: the scales are
very small : the lateral line strait and of a golden
yellow. The Minow is frequent in clear gravelly
streams and rivulets in many parts of Europe. In
our own country it is observed to appear first in
March, and to disappear in the beginning of Oc-
tober, at which period it secretes itself beneath the
mud, &c. It is of a gregarious nature, and fre-

244 APHYA CARP.

quently assembles in small shoals near the surface
of the water, especially in bright weather, being
fond of warmth : it usually spawns in the month of
June, and is often observed to be found in spawn
during the greatest part of the summer. From its
small size the Minow is not much' regarded in the
list of edible fish, though it is said to be extremely
delicate, and, where found in great plenty, is oc-
casionally used for the table. It is much more
frequently the victim of anglers, who procure it for
the purpose of a bait for various fishes, and parti-
cularly for trout.

APHYA CARP.

Cyprinus Aphya. C. subfuscus, subtus albo-fcrrvgineus, iridibus

rubric.

Brownish Carp, whitish-ferruginous beneath, with red irides.
Cyprinus Aphya. C. pinna cmi radiis wore///, iridibus rubris,

cor pore pellwido. Lin. Syst. Nat.
Cyprinus radiis novem in pinna anali dorsalique. Block, t. 97.

THIS is a small species, somewhat allied to the
Gudgeon in appearance, but scarcely measuring
more than two or three inches in length, and is of
a pale brown colour on the upper parts, and whitish
or reddish beneath: the scales are middle-sized,
and easily deciduous, and the fins of a greenish
grey. It is of a gregarious nature, and is found in
great plenty about the coasts of the Baltic, and in
the rivers of the northern regions ; particularly
Sweden and Norway. It is also said to be frequent

fclVtJLET CARP. 245

in those of Siberia. It is said to be a delicate fish,
but, from its very small size, is more frequently
used as a bait than for the table. It may not be
improper to observe that the name Aphya, by
which this species is distinguished by Linnaeus,
seems to have been applied by the ancient writers,
in a sort of vague manner, to such small fishes as
they supposed rather to have been produced from
the foam of the sea, or in an irregular manner,
than by the usual process of Nature.

in vu LET CARP.

Cyprinus Rivularis. C. pinna anali dorsalique radiis octo,
corpore fusco-maculato. Lin. Syst. Nat. Gmel. Pall. it. 2..

P-7W.

Carp with eight rays in the dorsal and anal fin, and body spotted^
with brown.

A VERY small species, not exceeding the size of
the C. Aphya : shape slightly cylindric, and sub-
compressed: scales very small: head obtuse, sub-
tetragonal ; with several large scattered pores on
the Upper part : irides silvery : lateral line strait :
fins pale; the pectoral fins of a rounded shape.
Native of the region of the Altaic mountains, in-
habiting small streamlets and hollows.

246

WHITE-BAIT.

THIS small fish, which is extremely plentiful at
particular seasons in the river Thames, is supposed
to be the young of some species of the genus Cyp-
rinus, though it is not agreed to what species it
should be most properly referred : its general
history is so well detailed by the ingenious author
of the British Zoology that it will be best given in
his own words.

" It is evident that it is of the Carp or Cyprinus
genus : it has only three branchiostegous rays, and
one dorsal fin ; and in respect to the form of the
body is compressed like that of the Bleak. Its
usual length is two inches : the under jaw is the
longest : the irides silvery, the pupil black : the
dorsal fin is placed nearer to the head than to the
tail, and consists of about fourteen rays : the side-
line is strait : the tail forked : the tips black : the
head, sides, and belly are silvery ; the back tinged
with green."

During the month of July, adds Mr. Pennant,
there appear in the Thames innumerable multi-
tudes of these small fishes, which are known to the
Londoners by the name of White-Bait. They are
esteemed very delicious when fried with fine flour,
and occasion, during the season, a vast resort of the
lower order of epicures to the taverns contiguous to
the places they are taken at.

MORMYRUS. MORMYRUS,

Generic Character.

Nostrum productum : Os

terminale.

Denies plures, emarginati.
A 'per fur a linearis, absque

operculo.

Membr: branch: uniradiata.
Corpus squamosum.

Snout produced : Moutb

terminal.

Teeth, several, emarginated.
Aperture without gill-cover.

Gill-membrane single-rayed.
Body scaly.

JL HE genus Mormyrus, hitherto but obscurely
understood, and differently arranged by different
ichthyologists, has been lately examined with a
greater degree of attention by Monsr. Geoffroy,
who has increased the number of species from three
(as stated in the Gmelinian edition of the Systema
Naturae), to nine. Mr. Geoffroy observes that the
body is compressed, and that the structure of the
tail is unusual, b'eing of a considerable length, and
of a subcylindric and inflated appearance, on ac-
count of its containing the glands from which the
oily matter along the lateral line is secreted: he
also observes that the stomach is strongly muscular ;
that the ovarium is single ; and that the swimming-
bladder is aljnost the length of the abdomen.

248

KANN'L'MA A1ORMYRUS.

Mormyrus Kannume. M. rostra dccumj, antda b\ftdd obtusa,
pinna dorsah rndiis scxaginta-trilnis.

Mormyrus with decurvate snout, bifid obtuse tail, and sixty-
three rays in the dorsal fin.

Mormyrus Kannume. Forsk. Arab. Lin. Gmel.

COLOUR whitish : body much compressed : lower"
lip longer than the upper: lateral line strait: dorsal
fin half the length of the back. Native of the Nile.

SHARP-SNOUTED MORMYRUS.

Mormyrus Oxyrhynchus. M. rostra recto, maxilla inferiors

longiorc, pinna dorsali fongititdifM dorxi.
Mormyrus with strait snout, lower jaw longer than the upper,

and dorsal fin running the whole length of the back.
Mormyre Oxyrhynche. Cepede. 5. p. 619. •

NATIVE of the Nile : supposed by Monsr. Geoffrey
to have been the Oxyrhynchus of the ancients.

ANGUILLIFORM MORMYRUS.

Mormyrus Anguilloides. M. rostro acuto, maxillis cequalibus,
pinna dorsali radii s I'lginfi-tex, aiuda bijida obtuwt.

Mormyrus with sharp snout, equal jaws, twenty- six rays in
the dorsal fin, and bifid acute tail.

Mormyrus anguilloides. Lin. Gmel. Mormyre Dendera,
Ceptde. 5. p. big.

DORSAL fin placed opposite the anal, and some*
what shorter than that fin. Native of the Nile.

249

SALAYA MORMYRUS.

Mormyrus Salahia. M. rostro obtuso, maxilla inferior e longiorc,

puma dorsali anah breviore.
Mormyrus with the lower jaw longer than the upper, and

dorsal fin shorter than the anal.
Mormyre Salahie. Cepede. 5. p. 6lQ.

DORSAL fin placed opposite the anal : observed
by Geoffroy in the desert near Salaya, where they
had been thrown by an inundation, and left in a
rlrv state.

Mormyrus Bebe. M. rostro obtuso, maxillis fcqualibus, pinna

dorsali anali sexies breviore.
Mormyrus with obtuse snout, and dorsal fin six times shorter

than the anal.
Mormyre Bebe. Cepede. 5. p. 619.

DORSAL fin placed opposite the anal as in the
preceding : native of the Nile ; observed in plenty
near the region of Bebe,

HERSE' MORMYRUS.

'Mormyrus Herse. M. rostro obtuso, maxilla superiors longiore,

pinna dorsali longitudine dorsi.
Mormyrus with obtuse snout, upper jaw longer than the

lower, and dorsal fin running the whole length of the back.
Mormyre Herse. Cepede. 5. p. 6'2O.

NATIVE of the Nile : called by the Arabians
Herd.

250

CYPRINOID MORMYRUS.

Mormyrus Cyprinoides. M. rostro obtuso, maxilla superiors

. longiure, pinna dorsali radiis I'iginti-scptem, cauda furcata.
Mormyrus with obtuse snout, upper jaw longer than the lower,

twenty-seven rays in the dorsal fin, and forked tail.
Mormyrus cyprinoides. M. cauda bifida acuta. Lin. Gmel.

Mas. Ad. Frid.

HABIT somewhat resembling that of the genus
Cyprinus: dorsal fin opposite the anal, and of equal
length. Native of the Nile.

BANE' MORMYRUS.

Mormyrus Bane. M. rostro obtuso, maxilla superiore multo

longiore, pinna dorsali analique ccqualibus.
Mormyrus. with obtuse snout, upper jaw much longer than the

lower, and dorsal fin of equal length with the anal.
Mormyre Bane. Ccpede. p. 620.

NATIVE of the Nile : called by the Arabs Bane.

IIASSELQUIST'S MORMYRUS.

Mormyrus Hasselquistii. M. pinna dorsali radiis viginti, anal)

radiis duodecim, cauda furcata.
Mormyrus with twenty rays in the dorsal fin., twelve in the

anal, and forked tail.
Mormyre Hasselquist. Ccpede. p. 620.

NATIVE of the Nile : observed by Hasselquist.

END OF PART I.

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