PRUSSIAN CARP. 21 



believe that the Prussian Carp is common in the Norfolk Broads, where it grows to a good 

 size : it is said to have reached the weight of two pounds. The spawning time is about the 

 end of April or early in May. It is said to be rather a shy biter, and to afford but little 

 sport to the angler. Like the Crucian it is very tenacious of life, and has been known to 

 live out of water for the space of thirty hours. The flesh is said to be white and agreeable, 

 but I have no personal acquaintance with it in this respect. The head is obtuse, body rather 

 short and thick, the tail forked. In a t)-pical specimen of the C. carassius van gibclio, a difference 

 from the Crucian will be seen in the less depth of the body, which is more Carp-like than 

 Bream-like, a blunter head, less elevated back, and the caudal fin more decidedly forked ; 

 but even in the Prussian Carp varieties seem to exist. 



Hybrids are said to be common between the ordinary Carp {Cypj^inits carpio) and the 

 Crucian wherever the two fish are kept in a domesticated or semi-domesticated state. Speci- 

 mens may be seen in the British Museum. One of these hybrids is thus described by Giinther 

 — "It resembles the Carp in having four barbels, which, however, are much less developed 

 and smaller. The pharyngeal teeth generally in two series (4. i — i. 4), sometimes the inner 

 tooth is absent, or another tooth indicates the third series of the Carp. The serrated ray of 

 the dorsal and anal fins varies in strength, being sometimes very feeble." 



