( 19 ) 



common to the hills as the Pseudecheneis and Ghjptostermim. 

 In some species which are thus provided, as the Glyptoster- 

 num striatum, not only is this thoracic apparatus very distinct 

 whilst residing in mountain streams, but even their pectoral 

 and ventral rays are plaited inferiorly ; but these additions 

 are indistinct or completely absent in specimens of the same 

 species when their size is larger, and they have been captured 

 in the rivers of the plains. 



XXXII. The respiration of these siluroid fishes is as 

 „ , „ , varied as amongst those of other orders 



Respiration of siluroid fishes. , _^ T ^ T j_i i_-\ yv> 



(see para. XL1I1) : thus, the Clarias 

 and Saccobranclius, owing to the possession of accessory 

 organs to their branchiae, are compound-breathers, able 

 to reside in the mud of tanks, and are much employed for 

 stocking these places. Most of the siluroids are very long- 

 lived whilst out of the water, even when accessory breathing 

 organs appear to be absent, as in some of the Macrones and 

 in species of the genus Rita, which are very slimy fish. 

 As a rule, all which belong to this family are exceedingly foul 

 feeders, more especially when there are but few small fish 

 for them to prey upon ; still for anglers who do not care 

 whether the game affords play, these fishes give good sport 

 when large, freely taking a frog or small fish. Some of the 

 siluroids are migratory during the breeding season, and this 

 is generally in the rains. They appear to prefer muddy- 

 bottomed tanks and sluggish rivers, whilst pebbly streams, 

 especially if the waters are clear, are rather avoided by them 

 in the plains. Some even of the larger ones reside during 

 the dry months in places where there would be no means 

 of subsistence for them were it not for a sufficiency of small 

 fish, which likewise retreat there, and afford them sustenauce 

 until the rains re-commence, and they can again move about. 



XXXIII. In the family Scombresociile, the Belone 

 „..„". .1 cancila is found throughout the 



Family bcombresocidae. . , . , . -,•-,•,■> i 



rivers and tanks, in which it breeds. 

 Amongst the Cyprlnodontid.e are several small fresh-water 

 species as Cyprinodon Stolickanus in Katch, and several 

 species of Haplochilus in India and Burma, mostly in large 

 rivers and near sea levels. 



XXXIV. The carps or Cyprinida, as already observed, 

 ., ., cn . ., belong to the order Phvsostomi; 



Family of Cyprmidce or carps. ... " .. , ... / ,, . 



First sub-family or loaches, with this iarnily are destitute oi teetn m 

 the air-vessel more or less eucios- their iaws and palate, only possess- 



cd in bone ** **- 



ing them on their inferior pharyn- 

 geal bones, whilst none of them have more than one fin 



