CYPRINIM3. 89 



GE]STUS BABILIUS. 



Geographical Distribution. This genus is found 

 on the Continent of India and the East of Africa, 

 including the Eiver Mle. 



Char. Dorsal fin short (less than 9 soft rays). 

 Mouth wide, opening forwards. Barbels 4, or 2, or 

 none. 



We can divide the species, for convenience, into 

 three groups, according to the number, or want, of 

 barbels. It is not however a natural division, as fre- 

 quently the barbels are so small as to be hardly per- 

 ceptible — or wanting, in species that would normally 

 possess them. 



Where not otherwise mentioned, the rays of the 

 dorsal fin, are 9 or 10, those of the anal fin about 

 12, and the number of scales along the body about 43. 



A. Species with four Barbels. 



1. Barilius rerio. 



This is one of the smallest of Indian fishes, it is 

 easily recognised by the indigo -blue bands running 

 the whole length of the body, extending over the 

 caudal and anal fins. 



Hab. Bengal and Madras. Attaining 2 inches. 



Char. Dorsal rays 9. Anal 15. Scales 27. 



Two pairs of small barbels. 



2. Barilius radiolatus. 

 Hab. Central India. 2^ inches. 



Char. Scales 56 to 58. Two pairs of short barbels. 



