40 INDIAN FRESH-WATER FISHES. 



GENUS BABBUS. 



This being the largest genus, I will take it first. 



Geographical Distribution. Europe, Asia, and 

 Africa. 



Description. The species of this genus differ greatly 

 in size, from the mahaseer, which has been known to 

 grow to 80 or 1001b. in weight, to the minute Barbus 

 (/cliits of an inch, or an inch and a half in length. 



In appearance they also differ considerably, but the 

 graduation being perfect from one end of the series 

 to the other, they have all been included in one genus. 

 They all possess a short dorsal and anal fin, the num- 

 ber of rays being Dorsal 3 + 8, Anal 7 or 8. These 

 numbers are almost invariable, there may sometimes be 

 one more or less. The number of scales varies from 

 20 to 47. 



Char. The mouth opens forwards, the lips arc 

 clean, without fringes, or inner folds, or horny 

 covering. The lateral line runs along the middle of 

 the body and tail. 



We may, for convenience, divide this large genus 

 into three groups. 



A. Species having four barbels. 



B. Species having two barbels. 



C. Species without barbels. 



