82 INDIAN FRESH-WATER EISHES. 



GENUS NUBIA. 



Char. Barbels 4, the upper pair being short, and 

 the pair at the corners of the month long. 

 Month narrow, directed obliquely upwards. 



1. Nuria danrica. 



Hab. India generally. 4 inches. 



This is a handsome little fish, with a black band 

 running the whole length of the body, from the end 

 of the snout, through the eye, to the base of the caudal 

 fin. 



This species does well in an aquarium, and it i& 

 interesting to watch its habits. Each fish selects its- 

 own bit of water, and remains swimming up and down 

 in it, keeping off all intruders. It feeds principally 

 on water weeds, for nibbling at which its upturned 

 mouth seems admirably adapted. It has also a habit 

 of floating at the surface, which the mouth just touches, 

 the two upper cirri are then extended forwards, and 

 seem to guide towards the fish's mouth any minute 

 insects that may happen to be floating within "the 

 influence of the current which is established by the 

 breathing of the fish. 



These fish are sometimes found in hot springs. 



Char. Scales 29 to 31. Lateral line complete. 



2. Nuria malabarica. 



Hab. Southern India. 3 inches. 

 Char. Scales 32. Lateral line absent. 



