221 



PIRANHA SAW-BELLIED SALMON. 



Serrasalmo piranha. 



PLATE XVL 



Serrasalmo piranha, Spijc, tab. xxviii. p. 7L Schomh. Draw- 

 ings^ No. 30. 



" This fish grows ten or eleven inches in length, 

 and is plentiful in the Rio Branco, where they are 

 killed by the hook and line in great numbers, being 

 very voracious, and taking the bait eagerly. The 

 upper part of the body is lead colour ; belly, pecto- 

 ral, ventral, and anal fins vermilion; the body is 

 compressed, back high ; teeth sharp, triangular, ser- 

 rated, in single rows ; jaws remarkably strong. Eye 

 near the middle of the head. Lateral line bent near 

 the head, otherwise straight. Opercles striated, with 

 smooth edges. Gill-opening semilunar ; nostrils 

 double, situate in a cavity near the snout. Vent 

 near the anal fin." 



The figure and notes above will give an idea of 

 the brilliant colour which tints the lower part of the 

 body, and which seems to be changed to a dingy 

 yellow by being kept in spirits. 



Schomb. D. 17— P. 17— V. 7— A. 30— C. 80. 

 Agas. 4/15 15 5 3/28 8/19/8 



