190 NEW-YORK FAUNA. 



ova of fishes, we see no reason to doubt why the turbot and sole, and other equally savory 

 fishes of Europe, may not be successfully introduced upon our seacoast. 



THE GOLD CARP. — (Introduced.) 



Cyprinus auratus. 



Cyprinus auratus. LlNNEUS. 



Gold-fish. Smith, Fishes of Massachusetts. 



The Golden Carp. Storer, Zoology of Massachusetts, p. 82. 



Description. The varieties in color, shape, position of the fins, and even their number, has 

 been so much influenced by domestication, that the application of any distinctive phrase is 

 almost impossible. 



De Sauvigny, in his Histoire Naturelle des Dorades de la Chine, has figured eighty-nine 

 varieties of this species, and this list might be almost indefinitely extended. The following 

 are the most usual appearances : Brilliant red or orange above ; silvery beneath. Occa- 

 sionally black, or black and white, or wholly of a brilliant silvery color. The opercles with 

 radiating striae. Scales large, striated, and rough to the touch. The number of fin rays very 

 variable, but the following is often observed : 



Fin rays, D. 16 ; P. 15 ; V. 9 ; A. 18 ; C. 17. 



The Golden Carp, or Gold-fish, as it is more generally called, was introduced from China 

 into Europe in the early part of the seventeenth century, and probably shortly after found 

 its way to this country. They breed freely in ponds in this and the adjoining States. 

 They are of no use as an article of food, but are kept in glass vases as an ornament to the 

 parlor and drawing-room. They are said to display an attachment to their owners, and a 

 limited obedience to their commands. 



